Newborn washes up dead on UK shoreline as cops urge mum to come forward & fear baby may have been swept up in tide

THE body of a newborn baby has been found washed up along a shoreline in Britain.

A member of the public made the tragic discovery on a road near the Menai Strait in Bangor, Wales, at around 5pm on Sunday.

North Wales Police have launched a major investigation and fear the baby may have been swept up with the tide from elsewhere in Britain or as far away as Ireland.

Officers have not disclosed the baby’s gender – with a post mortem set to take place tomorrow to establish how the tot died.

An urgent appeal for the newborn’s mum has also been issued amid fears she may require medical attention.

Det Sgt Kelly Wynne 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.”

Director of women’s services for the local Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board, Fiona Giraud, also urged the mum to come forward and said she is likely to be “extremely vulnerable”.

Appealing directly to her, she said: “First, I want you to know that our immediate concern is for your health, safety and well-being. 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. If you are watching or listening to this appeal, please know that we want to hear from you.

“Please take the first step and contact us. There are people to help you.”

The police have been joined by the Coastguard while searches are carried out in the area.

A large police cordon is also in place between Siliwen Road and the Menai Strait.

Officers are further carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV in the area.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting Operation Melex.