Hampshire Police has launched an appeal to try and find the mother of a baby girl who was found dead in Portsmouth over the weekend (Sat 25th January).
Police were called to the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commerical Road at 06:18 hours following the discovery of a recently-born baby girl.
A spokesperson for the force has confirmed that their priority is to try and find the mother of the child to ensure that she gets the urgent medical care and support that she will need.
Inspector Louise Tester said:
“We know that this must be a really distressing time for you.
“That is why it is so important for you to speak to a nurse or a doctor so that they can make sure you are ok.
“You may not know where to go, but please just walk into any doctor’s surgery, walk-in clinic or hospital and let them take care of you.
“No one should go through this alone, and there are lots of people who can help you.
“Our priority is to make sure you get the help that you need, both physically and emotionally.
She added: “We are also keen to speak to anyone who has concerns for someone they know who has been heavily pregnant or recently given birth.
“Your information could be the key to making sure this mum gets the help she so desperately needs.
“Of course it may be that the mum has managed to hide her pregnancy from those around her, but if you’ve had concerns for a friend or loved one who has been acting out of character recently, please let us know.”
Hampshire Police appealed to try and identify five people who were seen on CCTV walking through Old Commercial Road between 05:00 hours and the time that police were called.
On 27th January a post-mortem examination was carried out on the baby.
The initial findings from the examination were inconclusive regarding the cause of death, and a spokesperson for Hampshire Police confirmed that further tests would be carried out over the coming days and weeks.
Inspector Tester added:
“The results of the post mortem examination has helped to focus our enquiries, and we hope that by sharing some of these details, it will help people realise they do have some relevant information that could help us.
“We are now able to confirm that the baby was white and that she was born at around 39 weeks, which is full-term.
“Our enquiries have also led us to believe that the baby was not born in a hospital environment, making it even more vital that we find mum and get her the medical care she may not have received.
“Hopefully, these details might help people realise their concerns about a loved one, friend or neighbour could be significant and encourages them to get in touch with us.
“This will be a deeply distressing time for mum, and while physically, she may feel ok, the after-effects of birth can be far-reaching, and symptoms may only start to appear days later.”
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting Operation Cravat or the reference number 44200030626.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or you can submit information through our online portal by clicking here.
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