A newborn baby girl discovered on the Menai Strait shoreline near Bangor has been named Ceri, meaning “beloved” or “dear” in Welsh, as police continue their urgent search for her mother.
The body was found on September 27. A postmortem carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers indicated the infant may have been in the water for up to a few weeks, police said.
Investigation and appeals
Work is ongoing with several experts across the country to establish what happened and to identify the parents, NorthWalesLive reports.
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.”
Officers are appealing to dog walkers and residents who regularly walked in the Ashley Fields area of Bangor since August 30 to come forward, and are asking for any photos or videos taken in and around the Menai Strait shoreline in Siliwen within the same period to be uploaded to the major incident public portal.
Support for the mother
Fiona Giraud, Director of Midwifery and Women's Services for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, 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.”
She urged anyone seeing the message to call or text 07974 241223, adding: “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 immediate concerns is asked to contact 101, quoting Operation Melex. A Major Incident Public Portal has been set up for direct contact with officers, and the health board’s Peoples Enquiry and Resolution Service is available Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, on 03000 851 234.
