The hunt for the mother of three abandoned newborns in East London has intensified, with police focusing on 400 homes in East Ham and Plaistow, as reported by the Daily Mail at 15:35 CEST

on May 15, 2025. The babies, found minutes after birth over recent years, were confirmed as siblings through DNA testing, prompting a major Metropolitan Police operation. The latest development suggests a fourth child may soon be discovered, adding urgency to the case.

Detectives have been knocking on doors, requesting voluntary DNA samples and information from residents. The mother’s full DNA profile has been established, but despite reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV and offering a £20,000 reward, she remains unidentified. The case has gripped London, with the public expressing sympathy for the babies—named Elsa, Harry, and Roman by hospital staff—and concern for the mother’s welfare. Named after a character from Disney’s Frozen, Elsa was found on a freezing night, highlighting the dire circumstances of the abandonments.

The investigation has raised ethical questions about privacy, as door-to-door DNA requests spark debate. Community leaders in East London, a diverse and densely populated area, have urged residents to cooperate, emphasizing the need to ensure the mother receives support. Social services are also under scrutiny, with critics questioning why the mother felt compelled to abandon her children. Factors like poverty, domestic abuse, or mental health issues are being considered, reflecting broader social challenges in the capital.

The case has drawn comparisons to historical abandonment cases, but modern technology, like DNA profiling, offers new hope for resolution. Police have assured the public that their focus is on safeguarding the mother and any potential future children, rather than punitive measures. The story has also prompted discussions about improving support for vulnerable women, with charities calling for better access to prenatal and mental health services.

As the search continues, Londoners are rallying to support the investigation, with local vigils held for the babies. The case underscores the city’s complex social fabric, where community solidarity and systemic gaps coexist. The outcome will likely influence future policies on child welfare and urban policing. Photo by Kenny Louie from Vancouver, Canada, Wikimedia commons.