A newborn baby girl has been found wrapped in a towel in a shopping bag in east London, police said.

The baby was discovered in Newham by a member of the public who kept her warm until paramedics arrived.

Met Police said she was unharmed in any way and is safe and well in hospital.

The force is appealing for the baby’s mother to get in touch and said “please know that your daughter is well, no matter what your circumstances, please do seek help by dialling 999”.

Police were called at about 21:15 GMT on Thursday when a dog walker found the baby at the junction of Greenway and High Street South.

Ch Supt Simon Crick said the walker’s action in keeping the little girl warm “contributed to saving the baby’s life”.

He said: “Our thoughts now turn to the baby mother; we are extremely concerned for her welfare as she will have been through a traumatic ordeal and will be in need of immediate medical attention following the birth.