Newborn baby's body found on shoreline in Bangor as police search for mother

Newborn baby's body found on shoreline in Bangor as police search for mother Police are searching for the mother of a newborn baby whose body was found on the Menai Strait shoreline near Siliwen Road in Bangor, north Wales The body of a newborn baby has been found along a shoreline in north Wales. A member of the public found the remains on the Menai Strait shoreline near Siliwen Road in Bangor shortly before 5pm on Sunday, North Wales Police said. The force said extensive searches are taking place to locate the mother, who has not yet been identified. Home Office pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers is scheduled to carry out a post-mortem examination on the baby's body on Wednesday afternoon. "We have real concerns for the health of the mother," said Fiona Giraud, director of Midwifery and Women's Services at the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. "We recognise that she is likely to be extremely vulnerable. She may be fearful of seeking the support she needs through fear of identifying herself." Appealing directly to the mother, Ms Giraud said: "First, I want you to know that our immediate concern is for your health, safety and wellbeing. We recognise that you may be feeling frightened, overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next. "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, to please get in touch with us. You can speak to a healthcare professional, approach a police officer or attend a police station." Detective Sergeant Kelly Wynne, from North Wales Police, 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. "If you have any information regarding a woman or girl 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. We appreciate coming forward is difficult, but inaction is not an option. "The mother desperately needs help. Anyone with information, we need you to 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." Residents of Bangor may see an increased police presence in the area in the coming days while officers carry out inquiries. Anyone with immediate concerns is asked to contact police on 101, quoting Operation Melex. A Major Incident Public Portal has been set up for individuals to submit information. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website. Alternatively, individuals can contact the health board's Peoples Enquiry and resolution service on 03000 851 234 between Monday and Friday, from 10am to 4pm.