Baby found in Bangor may have been in water for weeks

A baby found in Bangor may have been in water for week.

A postmortem has revealed that the baby was a little girl, and initial indications are that she may have been in the water for up to a few weeks.

Further tests to find more about the baby are underway.

North Wales Police say were contacted by a member of the public who discovered the body of the newborn along the shoreline near the Siliwen Road in Bangor in Gwynedd, shortly before 5pm on Sunday, 27 September.

Superintendent Llinos Davies said: “Following the tragic discovery of a baby’s body in Bangor on Sunday, 27 September, a postmortem has now been completed.

“We now know that she was a little baby girl.

“We understand that the mother may be fearful of coming forward but we urge her to make contact with us. I'd like to reassure her that her welfare and safety is our utmost concern.

“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.

“I understand that this is a terribly sad incident for the community and I am grateful for the overwhelming support and assistance that we have received so far.”

We’re continuing to receive specialist advice on our investigation.

Director of Midwifery and Women's Services for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Fiona Giraud, said her priority remains to be with the mother.

Speaking directly to her, she said: “Our immediate concern remains to be your health, safety and wellbeing.

“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.”

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 via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/60NWP26G07-PO1

You 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.