The body of a newborn baby has been found in London's Grand Union Canal, the Metropolitan Police have said.

In a short statement announcing the news, the Met Police in Ealing tweeted that the baby's body was found around 1.19pm on Sunday afternoon (May 9).

They also urged the mother of the baby to "seek medical attention" by calling 999.

Responding to a request for comment, a spokesperson for the Met Police later confirmed that the baby had sadly been pronounced dead at the scene: 

"Police were called at 1319hrs on Sunday, 9 May, to the body of a newborn baby found in the Grand Union canal near to Old Oak Lane, NW10.

"Officers attended the location along with London Ambulance Service. The baby was pronounced dead at the scene. Cordons are in place.

"An urgent investigation is under way to establish the circumstances.

"We urge the baby’s mother to seek medical assistance by dialling 999. Anyone with information please call 101 ref 3589/09." 

A spokesperson for LAS meanwhile issued the following statement: 

"We were called at 1:35pm today (9 May) 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 (HART).

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