North Wales Police have intensified their search for the mother of a newborn baby girl found dead on a shoreline in Bangor, Gwynedd, and have created a dedicated phone line for her to contact them.
The baby’s body was discovered by a member of the public along the shoreline near the Siliwen Road area in Bangor shortly before 5pm on Sunday, September 27. A post-mortem examination confirmed the baby was a girl, with initial findings suggesting she may have been in the water for up to a few weeks. Further tests are being carried out.
Direct line for the mother
In an update on Thursday, North Wales Police confirmed a direct line had been created for the mother, with a specialist team available at all times to take her call. The number is only to be used by the mother to seek help.
Superintendent Llinos Davies released a statement speaking directly to the mother. She said: “We understand that you may be scared to come forward, but we urge you to contact us. 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.”
She added: “Please, if you are seeing this message, call 07974 241223. 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.”
Appeal for photos and videos
Police are keeping an open mind in regard to where the baby entered the water and are taking advice on currents from oceanographers.
Officers would also like to hear from anyone who routinely walked in the Siliwen Road and Ashley Fields areas of Bangor between August 30 and September 27. They have asked people to submit any photos or videos taken in and around the Menai Strait shoreline in Siliwen during the same period, as images could potentially help the investigation.
Fiona Giraud, Director of Midwifery and Women’s Services for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, also appealed directly to the mother. She said: “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, please take the first step and contact us. There are people to help you.”
Public plea
Superintendent Davies also put a plea out to the public. She 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.”
She added: “Anyone with concerns about a girl or a woman 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.
“Please 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.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting Operation Melex, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be submitted through the Major Incident Public Portal.
