A newborn baby girl whose body was found on the banks of the Menai Strait has been named Ceri. Officers from North Wales Police received a report from a member of the public after the body was discovered on the shoreline at Bangor on Sunday, September 27.
Investigation and Postmortem
Since the baby was discovered, specialists from across the country are working to establish what happened to her and find the identity of her parents. Home Office pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers conducted a postmortem examination on the body, and police said initial indications suggested she may have been in the water for up to a few weeks.
Police have since confirmed she has been named Ceri, as they continue to appeal for information that could help trace her mother.
Police Appeal for Information
Superintendent Llinos Daves said: "We remain determined to get answers for Baby Ceri. All possible lines of enquiry are being followed, and we are awaiting results from several specialist tests, which we hope may provide us with new avenues to explore.
"I continue to appeal to dog walkers and other residents who have regularly walked in the Ashley Fields areas of Bangor since August 30 to contact us.
"Additionally, we are asking for any photos or videos taken in and around the Menai Straits shoreline in Siliwen within the same time frame to be uploaded to the major incident public portal.
"Any image could be relevant to our investigation and will be reviewed to ascertain whether they are of any evidential value to our enquiries. Our dedicated phone line for the mother of baby Ceri remains available at all times to call or text."
Support for the Mother
Director of midwifery and women's services for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Fiona Giraud, said: "You may not have felt confident to come forward yet, but please know that we have specialists ready to support you, no matter what the circumstances are, please get in touch.
"Please, if you are seeing this message, call or text 07974 241223. When you call, you will speak directly to a trained specialist whose role is simply to listen and help. This is not a conversation you need to be afraid of. You will be treated with compassion, dignity and respect."
Superintendent Davies added: "I want to thank the community for their support as we continue our appeals for information. Anybody who has had concerns for a woman or girl in recent months is asked to come forward.
"We are not asking anyone to make assumptions or accusations. Something that appears insignificant or has an entirely innocent explanation may nevertheless be crucial to finding the truth for Baby Ceri."
Anyone with any immediate concerns should contact 101, quoting Operation Melex. A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up, allowing anyone with relevant information to get in touch with officers directly. Alternatively, the health board's People's Enquiry and Resolution Service can be reached Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, on 03000 851 234.
