A senior figure at a health board has said a mother may be frightened after the body of a baby was found on the edge of the Menai Strait at Bangor on Sunday afternoon (September 27). The body was discovered by a man walking along the coast near Siliwen Road, part of the North Wales shoreline.
North Wales Police are working with the health board and other organisations to find the mother, who has not yet been identified. The Coastguard has joined the police as searches are carried out along the shoreline and in the surrounding area, with a large police cordon in place between Siliwen Road and the Menai Strait. Officers are also carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV in the area.
Appeal to the mother
Fiona Giraud, Director of Midwifery and Women's Services for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, has appealed directly to the mother to come forward despite acknowledging that she might feel she has "nowhere to run". Ms Giraud said: "We have real concerns for the health of the mother. We recognise that she is likely to be extremely vulnerable. She may be fearful of seeking the support she needs through fear of identifying herself.
"First, I want you to know that our immediate concern is for your health, safety and wellbeing. We recognise that you may be feeling frightened, overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next.
"You may feel you have nowhere to turn, or that you cannot speak to anyone about what has happened. Please do not feel that you have to face this alone.
"We don't yet know all the circumstances surrounding your baby's death 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.
"I am asking you personally, to please get in touch with us. You can speak to a healthcare professional, approach a police officer or attend a police station.
"If you are watching or listening to this appeal, please know that we want to hear from you. Please take the first step and contact us. There are people to help you."
Police reiterate concern
Detective Sergeant Kelly Wynne reiterated the message, saying: "We are concerned the baby's mother may not be in a position to reach out for support, so we are appealing directly to her, the father and those who may have knowledge, such as friends, family, neighbours or colleagues.
"If you have any information regarding a woman or girl you think may have been pregnant or whose behaviour has been unusual or out of character over the past few months including withdrawing from friends, family or social ties, please contact us. We appreciate coming forward is difficult, but inaction is not an option.
"The mother desperately needs help. Anyone with information, we need you to do the right thing to ensure this mother gets the health support she needs. All names received will be treated with the utmost discretion and can be eliminated as the mother without delay."
No further details about the baby are being released at this stage, with Home Office pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers scheduled to carry out a post-mortem on the baby's body this afternoon.
Increased police presence
Residents of Bangor may see an increased police presence in the area in the coming days as officers carry out further enquiries. Police added: "If you have any immediate concerns, please contact us on 101, quoting Operation Melex. A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been created where anyone with information that could help our enquiries can directly contact police."
People can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously. Alternatively, contact the health board's Peoples Enquiry and resolution service between Monday-Friday 10am-4pm on 03000 851 234.
