POLICE IN LONDON say they are concerned that there may be vulnerable new mother who has given birth without medical assistance in the city after a suspected human placenta was found on a footpath near Tooting Bec this morning.

Officers were called to the scene at the back of the local athletics track just before 7am by a member of the public who believed he had found a human organ.

It was discovered in an ice cream tub in a bag that was partially buried. It is thought the items were unearthed by an animal.

There was no visual evidence of anything else buried in the area, which was searched by trained police blood dogs.

The suspected organ has been taken for pathological examination. Photos were shown to medical staff who believe it is a human placenta, maybe two weeks old. Confirmation is awaited.

In a statement, Chief Inspector Nick Aldworth from Wandsworth Borough said: “Obviously we are at the very early stages of the investigation into what has been found, but the suggestion that it could be a human placenta does give us concern that there could be an individual whose health and wellbeing may be at risk.

“That said, we retain an open mind regarding the item and how it came to be buried on the pathway pending the results of testing and any confirmed information coming to light.

“Therefore we are appealing to the person who buried the item to contact us, or anyone who knows the person who buried the item. Your call will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”

He emphasised that the primary aim of the investigation is to ensure the health and welfare of the person involved, and not enforcement.

“Anybody who comes forward will be treated with this in mind.”