Newborn baby is found dead in a garden in Weston-super-Mare as police launch urgent search for mother
- Body of a newborn baby boy was found by a member of the public this morning
- Avon and Somerset Constabulary is treating death as unexplained at this time
- Force is ‘extremely concerned’ for mother’s welfare and has launched a search
A newborn baby has been found dead in a garden in Weston-super-Mare as police launch an urgent search for the mother.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary said officers were called at 8.50am on Saturday after a member of the public found the body of a newborn baby boy in a private garden on Victoria Quadrant, Somerset.
The force said it is treating the baby’s death as unexplained at this time and is ‘extremely concerned’ for the mother’s welfare, asking anyone with information to come forward.
Police pictured at the scene on Victoria Quadrant in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, where a newborn baby was found dead as the force launches an urgent search for the mother
A police officer stands next to a cordoned-off area of the street in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Constabulary said officers were called at 8.50am on Saturday
Detective chief inspector Mike Buck said: ‘This is a very sad and distressing incident.
‘Have you suspected somebody you know is heavily pregnant, but may not have been willing to disclose this? That person might have a connection with Victoria Quadrant? Their behaviour might have changed in the last 24 hours?
‘You can contact us in complete confidence. Our priority right now is to find the mother of this child and support her, so please do the right thing.’
Amanda Braund, of North Somerset Children’s Services, said: ‘I want to make a direct appeal to the mother.
The street (pictured). Police said the baby’s death is being treated as unexplained at this time and is ‘extremely concerned’ for the mother’s welfare
‘I can’t imagine what you’re going through but we want to help you. We have specially trained professionals who can support you and make sure you get the medical attention you need.
‘Please get in touch with the police by calling 999 or your nearest hospital.’
Anyone who could help police find the mother is asked to call 999, while those with any other information should call 101, quoting reference number 5220278654.