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Police launch investigation after body of newborn baby found dead in London canal

The body of a newborn baby has been found in the Grand Union Canal near Old Oak Lane in north west London, the Metropolitan Police said. (PA)
The body of a newborn baby has been found in the Grand Union Canal near Old Oak Lane in north west London, the Metropolitan Police said. (PA)

The body of a newborn baby has been found in a canal in north-west London, police have said.

The Met Police said emergency services were called to the Grand Union Canal near Old Oak Lane just before 1.20pm on Sunday afternoon after reports that the body of an infant had been found in the water.

The baby was pronounced dead at the scene, the force said.

Emergency services were called to the Grand Union Canal in London on Sunday afternoon. (PA)
Emergency services were called to the Grand Union Canal in London on Sunday afternoon. (PA)

Police said an urgent investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of the death and urged the baby’s mother to seek medical assistance by dialling 999.

A number of cordons remained in place at the scene on Sunday afternoon, with roads and pathways cordoned off as police searched the area.

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Witnesses said dozens of police, ambulance and fire vehicles could be seen in the area, which is close to an industrial estate in Park Royal.

Emergency staff wearing diving equipment could also be seen walking close to where the body was found.

Officers have reportedly told people cordons at the scene could be in place for “hours”.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at 1:35pm today to Old Oak Lane, NW10, to reports of a body of an infant found in the canal.

"We sent a number of resources to the scene: an incident response officer, an advanced paramedic practitioner, a clinical team manager and two ambulance crews. We also dispatched our hazardous area response team.

"Sadly, an infant was confirmed to be deceased at the scene."

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