North Wales Police have issued an urgent appeal to the mother of a baby girl whose body was discovered along the Welsh coastline, urging her to contact a dedicated phone number and reassuring her she has "nothing to be afraid of".
The force has stated that a specialist team will be "available at all times to take a call from her". The appeal follows the baby's discovery by a walker in Bangor at around 5pm on Sunday, September 27.
Post-mortem examination findings
On Wednesday, Home Office pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers conducted a post-mortem examination on the body. Police confirmed this established that the child was a baby girl, with initial indications suggesting she may have been in the water for up to a few weeks. Officers remain "open minded" regarding where the baby entered the water.
In their latest appeal, Superintendent Llinos Davies addressed the mother directly, saying: "We understand that you may be scared to come forward, but we urge you to contact us."
Direct appeal to the mother
Supt Davies said: "I want to reassure you that your welfare and safety continues to be our priority and utmost concern and that you receive any medical attention and support you may need. Whatever has happened, you do not have to face this on your own. We have created a phone number specifically for you to call for help with a specialist who can support you confidentially. Please, if you are seeing this message, call 07974 241223."
She continued: "When you call, you will speak directly to a trained specialist whose role is simply to listen, understand, and help. This is not a conversation you need to be afraid of. You will be treated with compassion, dignity and respect. If making that call feels too difficult, please consider telling somebody you trust. A friend, family member, neighbour, healthcare professional, or anyone who can help you reach out."
Appeal for information
Officers emphasise that the telephone number is strictly for use by the mother only to access specialist support. Supt Davies said: "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, to contact us."
The force stresses that all identities shared with them will be handled with the "utmost discretion." Supt Davies added: "The investigation team is considering all avenues and are urging people not to speculate on the circumstances to allow officers to follow all lines of enquiry."
Officers are also appealing to anyone who regularly walked in the Siliwen Road and Ashley Fields areas of Bangor between August 30 and September 27 to get in touch. Supt Davies said: "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."
Those with any immediate concerns can contact police on 101, quoting Operation Melex. Individuals can also ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, or the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's Peoples Enquiry and Resolution Service between Monday and Friday, 10am to 4pm, on 03000 851 234.
