Police have confirmed that a baby found dead at a home in Harold Hill was a newborn girl.

Officers were called to a home in Mimosa Close just before 7.45pm on Tuesday (August 22).

When they arrived, they discovered the body of a newborn baby girl.

Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford has said that the baby’s death is being treated as “unexplained” and that a post-mortem examination will soon take place.

He added that the post-mortem examination would help officers to determine how long the baby’s body had been in the home.

A man and a woman were arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.

DS Basford said: “This is a tragic incident and we understand it will be hugely upsetting for local people.

“Our officers are still at the scene and we thank residents for their patience while we carry out our critical enquiries.”

Anyone with information which could assist the police investigation is asked to contact police quoting reference CAD 6024/23Aug, or can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.