The body of a newborn baby has been found in a bag outside a church with police launching an urgent appeal as they attempt to find the tot's mother.

Metropolitan Police officers were called today at 12.46pm to Talbot Road in the Notting Hill area of London following the tragic discovery.

The London Ambulance Service also rushed to the scene, but the baby was pronounced dead.

Authorities remain in the area while urgent enquiries are undertaken to locate the baby’s mother, the Met says, who may need urgent medical attention. 

The infant’s gender or precise age has not yet been established. 

Superintendent Owen Renowden said: “This is an extremely sad and shocking matter and officers are working hard to establish the circumstances around what has taken place.

“This investigation is in the early stages and our immediate priority is to locate the baby's mother, who we believe may have very recently given birth.

“If you are the baby's mother and are reading this, please come forward to police or medical professionals. 

“You must feel very frightened but please let us help – we are really worried about you and it is vitally important you get medical assistance and support. 

“You can walk into any hospital, or a police station.

"Anyone who may have any information about this incident should contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 3431/25March."

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