A newborn has been found abandoned at an east London park amid freezing temperatures.

The baby girl was discovered in Newham late on Thursday night and taken to hospital where she is being cared for, the Metropolitan Police said.

The force said it was called to reports of an abandoned baby at a park area close to Roman Road and Saxon Road at around 10.15pm.

The Met said officers are growing “increasingly concerned” for the mother’s welfare and appealed for her to contact police, her local hospital or GP surgery.

Police released a photgraph of the child, in which she appears to be sleeping after being fitted with an intravenous drip and monitoring equipment.

Officers have re-iterated their appeal for her mother to contact the police or ambulance service as she may need “urgent medical attention”.

Thursday evening has since been declared the coldest night since 2012, as snow and ice warnings continue across the south of England.