POLICE are investigating the discovery of an abandoned foetus in a park in north-east London.
Scotland Yard are now very concerned about the welfare of the mother and are urgently appealing for help in tracing her.
Police were alerted after the foetus - believed to be around 12 to 20 weeks' gestation - was found in Valentines Park on Cranbrook Road, Ilford.
Officers and paramedics were called at 10.40am to the gardens at the northern end of the park.
The alarm was raised at 10.41am this morning.
Officers from the Met attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service.
Police are asking her to contact emergency services in order to access the medical care she may require.
They believe the foetus was left there in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Metropolitan Police issued a statement regarding the incident, which read:
"Police are appealing for information following the discovery of a foetus at a park in east London. Officers are concerns for the welfare of the mother and are urging her to contact police.
"Police were called at 1041hrs on Thursday, 4 October, to reports of a foetus found in gardens at the northern end of Valentines Park in Cranbrook Road, Ilford.
"Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended.
"The foetus - believed to be around 12-20 weeks' gestation - is likely to have been disposed of early on the morning of 4 October.
"Officers are concerned about the welfare of the mother, and are appealing for her to contact the emergency services so she can receive any medical treatment she may require.
"Inquiries into the circumstances continue.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Area Command Unit on 101 quoting CAD 2492/04OCT."