Police and health officials have appealed for the mother of a newborn baby whose body was found on the shoreline in Bangor, North Wales, to come forward and seek help.
The infant was discovered by a walker near Siliwen Road shortly before 5pm on Sunday. North Wales Police has launched an investigation, with the area coroner informed and officers carrying out house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.
The sex, ethnicity and age of the baby have not been disclosed. A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Wednesday.
Investigators believe the body may have been carried by the tide into the Menai Strait, which separates Anglesey from mainland North Wales, from elsewhere in Britain or possibly Ireland.
Fiona Giraud, director of women’s services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, addressed the mother directly, saying: “I want you to know that our immediate concern is for your health, safety and wellbeing.”
She added: “We recognise that you may be feeling frightened, overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next.”
Ms Giraud said medical staff had “real concerns” for the mother’s health and believed she was likely to be “extremely vulnerable”.
“We don’t yet know all the circumstances surrounding your baby’s death,” she said. “But what is important right now is that we find you, make sure you are safe, and ensure you receive any medical attention and support you may need.”
She urged the woman to contact a healthcare professional, approach a police officer or attend a police station, adding: “There are people to help you.”
Detective Sergeant Kelly Wynne, who is leading the North Wales Police investigation, also appealed to the baby’s father and anyone who may know about a recent birth.
She asked friends, family members, neighbours and colleagues to contact police if they were concerned about a woman or girl who may have been pregnant and whose behaviour had become unusual or withdrawn in recent months.
“We appreciate coming forward is difficult, but inaction is not an option,” Detective Sergeant Wynne said. “The mother desperately needs help.”
Police said information would be treated with “the utmost discretion”. The shoreline, close to the Wales Coast Path, is impassable at high tide but is used by locals and Bangor University students as a route towards Bangor Pier.
Parts of the area near Ashley Fields remained cordoned off, while volunteers from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency helped search until Monday night.
Anyone with information is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101, quoting Operation Melex, or provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers.
