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A newborn girl, discovered abandoned inside a carrier bag in east London, is set to be adopted and will maintain regular contact with her two siblings, a family court has confirmed. The infant, known as “Elsa,” was found on 18 January 2024 near a footpath in Newham by a dog walker. Following DNA testing, it was revealed that she is the youngest sibling of two other children—a boy and a girl—also abandoned in nearby locations in 2017 and 2019 under similar circumstances. Despite extensive investigations, police have concluded that all leads to identify the children’s parents have been exhausted.
During the hearing at East London Family Court, it was stated that Elsa, who is now approaching two years old, has adapted well to her new family environment and shares a loving bond with them. Her older siblings, Harry (aged 8) and Roman (aged 6), are also in adoptive families, and all adoptive parents have agreed that the three children will have regular opportunities to meet as they grow. These interactions will include viewing photographs of one another and twice-yearly playdates to maintain their connection.
Judge Carol Atkinson described Elsa’s circumstances as “extraordinary” and emphasized the importance of her knowing and sharing her story alongside her full siblings. The judge portrayed Elsa as “a beautiful little girl” full of energy and joy who “lights up the space around her.” She further remarked on the rarity of such cases, noting that only eight children were recorded as foundlings—abandoned at birth—in England and Wales over a decade from 2008 to 2018. Atkinson highlighted the siblings’ unique shared experience, commenting, “No-one they will meet in life is likely to understand what it is like to be a foundling. But they each know and understand.”
Elsa was discovered on one of the coldest nights of the year, left inside a Boots shopping bag when she was less than an hour old. Hospital staff named her after the character from the Disney film Frozen. Following the discovery and initial publicity, police intensified their efforts, working closely with the National Crime Agency to identify potential relatives and trace the parents. Officers visited hundreds of homes, gathered DNA samples, and spoke with numerous local residents. Despite these widespread inquiries, the authorities have been unable to locate the children’s parents. Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford acknowledged that police investigations have been “exhausted” but pledged to keep reviewing any new information. He also encouraged anyone with relevant details to come forward.
Prof Lorraine Sherr, a psychologist specializing in abandoned children, called the recent court hearing “a turning point” for Elsa, underscoring the significance of her stable home and the unusual opportunity for regular contact with her siblings. She praised the collaborative efforts of the courts, families, police, and social services, noting that the intense media attention helped ensure the process moved smoothly. According to Sherr, the case sets “a true precedent” in prioritizing the best interests of the child in such complex circumstances
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