A reward of £5,000 has been offered by the charity Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the death of a newborn baby found in a West Midlands canal. The case is now being treated as suspected murder.
The infant's body was discovered on May 20 in the Wyrley and Essington Canal in Rough Wood country park, near Willenhall, Walsall. Police believe the baby, a full-term boy, may have been in the water for up to four days before being found by a passer-by at around 1pm off Hunts Lane. Officers previously indicated he was 'probably not alive' when placed in the canal.
Authorities are also concerned for the welfare of the baby's mother, who has not yet been traced. Mick Duthie, director of operations at Crimestoppers, said: 'This is a particularly sad, tragic case and shocking for the community, so we are keen to have answers as to what happened and who was involved.' He added that investigators believe someone may know or suspect the mother's identity.
The reward is offered for information given anonymously. Crimestoppers can be contacted 24/7 on 0800 555 111 or via an anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Police can also be reached on 101, quoting log number 1963 of May 20.
