Police in North Wales are appealing for the mother of a newborn baby girl whose body was discovered along the Menai Strait shoreline in Bangor, Gwynedd.
A member of the public found the baby’s body near Siliwen Road shortly before 17:00 BST on Sunday, prompting a police investigation and a search for information about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Initial Examination Suggests Baby May Have Been in Water for Weeks
North Wales Police said an initial post-mortem examination established that the baby was a girl.
Early indications also suggest that the newborn may have been in the water for as long as several weeks before she was discovered.
Further forensic and medical examinations are being carried out as investigators work to establish more information about the baby and what happened to her.
Police Directly Appeal to Mother to Come Forward
Investigators are particularly focused on identifying and locating the baby’s mother.
Supt Llinos Davies said police understood that the woman could be frightened about contacting authorities, but urged her to make contact so officers could ensure she receives appropriate assistance.
She stressed that the mother’s safety and welfare were the force’s primary concerns.
Community Asked to Report Concerns
Police have also appealed to anyone who may have noticed unusual behaviour from a woman or girl who could have recently been pregnant.
That includes someone who may have withdrawn from friends, relatives or wider social relationships, or whose behaviour has noticeably changed in recent months.
Davies said people should not be concerned about providing information that ultimately proves unrelated to the investigation.
She said names and information supplied to police would be treated discreetly and that individuals could be ruled out as the baby’s mother without unnecessary delay.
Health Officials Urge Mother Not to Face Situation Alone
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has also joined the appeal, with its director of midwifery and women’s services, Fiona Giraud, addressing the mother directly.
Giraud said the immediate priority was the woman’s health, safety and wellbeing, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death.
She acknowledged that the mother might feel unable to talk to anyone or believe there is nowhere to seek help, but urged her to contact the authorities and healthcare services.
Medical Support Could Be Needed
Giraud said investigators and health professionals do not yet know all the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death.
Finding the mother, she said, would allow authorities to establish whether she is safe and whether she requires urgent medical care or other forms of support.
The health official emphasised that help was available and encouraged the woman to take the first step by making contact.
Investigation Continues in Bangor
The discovery has prompted an ongoing investigation by North Wales Police, with officers continuing efforts to establish the identity of the baby and determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Further testing is expected to provide investigators with additional information.
Police have thanked members of the public for the assistance already provided and acknowledged the impact the discovery has had on the local community.
Officers Ask Anyone With Information to Come Forward
Authorities are urging anyone who may have relevant information about a woman who could have been pregnant, or who may have noticed significant changes in someone’s behaviour, to contact North Wales Police.
The appeal remains focused not only on the investigation but also on ensuring that the baby’s mother can be located and given medical and personal support.
Police have stressed that the circumstances surrounding the newborn’s death have not yet been fully established.
