Police are searching for a woman described as 'distressed' who was seen visiting the grave of a newborn baby found dead more than 30 years ago. Detectives have released a computer-generated image of the woman, who was spotted at the graveside of the child named 'Baby April' by investigators earlier this year.
Discovery of Baby April
The baby was found dead at Singleton Lake in Ashford, Kent, on April 3, 1995. She weighed 7lbs and was believed to have been born sometime between March 25 and April 3, less than two weeks before her body was discovered. Detectives believe she died from asphyxiation, and her body had been wrapped in a Kleenex tissue bag and placed inside a Motaworld bag.
Despite an extensive murder investigation, police were unable to identify the baby's parents or any relatives. In 2011, officers exhumed Baby April's body from Bybrook Cemetery in a bid to obtain a full DNA profile. However, the new DNA evidence failed to provide a breakthrough, and she was later laid to rest again at the cemetery.
Appeal for information
Detectives are now appealing for help in identifying a woman who visited Baby April's grave on Sunday, June 21. She was seen at the cemetery between 2pm and 3pm and appeared to be distressed.
Police described her as white, in her 40s, no taller than 5ft 7in, with a medium to slim build and pale complexion. She had grey, shoulder-length hair and was wearing a grey short cardigan, black leggings and trainers. She was also carrying two bags – a small shoulder bag and a women's fabric holdall with a floral pattern. The larger bag was worn across her body and appeared to be quite full.
Detective's statement
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber said: 'Baby April was named after the month she was born. Despite ongoing enquiries since that time, her parents and true identity to this date have never been found.'
'We believe it is important to find the truth behind this tragic story and this woman might have information which could assist us in finding that.'
Police have urged anyone who recognises the woman, or who has information that could help the investigation, to come forward. Anyone with information can contact Kent Police on 01622 652006.
