Key Points:
- Metropolitan Police are urgently appealing for information about a woman who left a Romford hospital shortly after giving birth.
- The woman, believed to be in her 20s, has dark hair, a slim build, and was last seen in a light-coloured top and patterned skirt.
- Police were called to the hospital at around 5pm on Tuesday after staff reported her unexplained departure.
- Her newborn baby remains in hospital in good condition under medical care.
- Detective Inspector Neil Godwin, leading the investigation, said the case is not criminal but a welfare matter.
- The Met Police have appealed to the public to call 101 with any information, quoting reference CAD3892/30Dec.
- Multiple media outlets including the Evening Standard, BBC News, and ITV News have reported on the appeal.
A major police appeal is underway tonight after a woman who had just given birth reportedly left a hospital in Romford, east London. Officers say they are increasingly concerned for her wellbeing and are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward immediately.
According to a report by The Evening Standard, officers were alerted at around 5pm on Tuesday after staff noticed the woman had left the hospital unexpectedly. The woman is described as being in her 20s, with dark hair, a slim build, and wearing a light-coloured top with a patterned skirt at the time she was last seen.
What do police know so far about the missing mother?
As reported by BBC News, the Metropolitan Police were first notified by hospital staff following the woman’s sudden departure after giving birth. Officers who responded to the call have since been working with healthcare professionals to establish what may have prompted her to leave without medical discharge.
The baby remains at the unnamed Romford hospital, under the care of medical staff, and is said to be in good health. While the child’s welfare is being closely monitored, police stress their primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of the mother.
Detective Inspector Neil Godwin, leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, stated, as quoted by BBC News, that “this woman has just given birth and, because of this, she is extremely vulnerable.”
He further emphasised,
“This is not a criminal investigation – we need to locate her to make sure she is okay. It is extremely important that if you know, or have any information about the whereabouts of this woman, that you tell us so we can ensure she gets the right support.”
Why are police treating the case as a welfare concern?
As reported by ITV News, DI Godwin reiterated that the case is being treated purely as a welfare matter rather than a criminal investigation. He said officers’ paramount objective is to safeguard the woman’s health.
Leaving a hospital shortly after childbirth can pose significant risks both physically and mentally, according to medical professionals quoted by Sky News. Postpartum women can experience complications such as infection, haemorrhage, or postnatal depression, which may impair judgment or increase vulnerability.
Police have not released further details about the reason for the woman’s hospital admission or any underlying medical or social circumstances that may have influenced her decision to leave.
How have hospital staff responded to the situation?
Hospital sources, quoted anonymously by The Guardian, expressed their alarm at the woman’s departure, noting that she had received recent medical care following delivery. “We are cooperating fully with the police,” one staff member reportedly said.
“Our priority is the wellbeing of both the mother and her baby.”
Given the sensitive nature of the incident, the hospital — believed to be located within the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust — has not been named publicly in official statements.
An NHS representative told Sky News:
“We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police to support their ongoing efforts and ensure the mother receives the care she needs if found.”
Where and when was the woman last seen?
According to The Evening Standard and Romford Recorder, the woman was last spotted in the Romford area, wearing a light-coloured top and a patterned skirt. She is described as being of slim build with dark hair, and aged in her 20s.
Police have not confirmed whether CCTV footage captured her leaving the hospital, nor whether she was travelling alone at the time.
Officers conducted checks in the immediate area and are believed to be liaising with local transport providers and community contacts as part of the ongoing search.
What should the public do if they have information?
In all reports — including those by BBC News and Evening Standard — police urged anyone who may have information to come forward. The official reference number is CAD3892/30Dec, and information can be reported by:
- Calling 101 directly.
- Contacting the Metropolitan Police website for anonymous tips.
- Visiting a local police station if near Romford or surrounding boroughs.
Detective Inspector Neil Godwin appealed publicly, saying,
“She could be frightened or confused, and we simply want to verify that she is safe and offer her appropriate help.”
Have there been similar incidents before?
While such cases are rare, Sky News reported that hospitals occasionally face instances where new mothers leave unexpectedly due to emotional distress or perceived stigma. In similar situations, investigations typically prioritise safeguarding and well-being assessments rather than enforcement.
Experts in maternal health told The Guardian that postpartum vulnerability requires compassionate police responses.
“Women in these circumstances often feel overwhelmed or fearful,”
said Dr. Sarah Watkin, a consultant obstetrician based in East London.
“Reaching out with understanding and medical support is crucial.”
What happens next in the investigation?
As the search continues, police have reassured the public that every lead is being pursued. The Met intends to review CCTV footage, speak with hospital staff, and examine possible contact numbers or records associated with the woman’s patient profile, according to BBC London News sources.
Authorities have also repeated that this is not a criminal matter, adding that the goal remains ensuring the woman’s safety and health as soon as possible.
Any updates are expected to be released through the Metropolitan Police’s official media channels and verified news organisations.
