Sixteen-week-old baby found dead in a box outside UK hospital as police make urgent appeal

A sixteen-week-old baby has been found dead in a box outside UK hospital.

The grim discovery was made at Barnet Hospital in north London at around 9am today.

Police are appealing for information amid concerns for the mother's welfare.

Officers were called after the foetus, believed to be of around 16 weeks’ gestation, was found inside a box.

Police believe the box was left by a man in his 30s wearing dark clothing.

Detective Inspector Matt Coad said: “At this moment, our priority is to ensure that the mother is okay and that she receives the appropriate medical attention.

“This is likely to be a traumatic time for her, and I would ask that she makes contact either with us, her local GP or a hospital."

Officers were called after the foetus, believed to be of around 16 weeks’ gestation, was found inside a box (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

DI Coad added: “We believe that the box was left by a man, aged in 30s, who was wearing dark clothing.

"I would also encourage him to come forward so that we can help.”

Anyone with information was urged to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 1599/30Jan.