NEWBORN'S BODY FOUND ON MENAI STRAIT SHORELINE IN WALES

A member of the public found the body of a newborn baby along the Menai Strait shoreline near Siliwen Road in Bangor, Gwynedd, shortly before 17:00 BST on Sunday, North Wales Police has said. Officers have launched an appeal for the mother, whom they believe may be "extremely vulnerable", to come forward. Fiona Giraud, Director of Midwifery and Women's Services for the Betsi Cadwaladr health board, addressed the mother directly at a press conference, saying the immediate concern is for her health, safety and wellbeing. Giraud said the mother may be feeling frightened, overwhelmed or unsure what to do next, and may fear seeking support in case she is identified. She said the full circumstances of the baby's death are not yet known, but that the priority is to find the mother and ensure she receives any medical attention and support she needs.

Giraud urged the mother to speak to a healthcare professional, approach a police officer or attend a police station, stressing that people are available to help her and that she does not have to face the situation alone. Detective Sergeant Kelly Wynne said police are concerned the mother "may not be in a position to reach out for support" herself. Wynne appealed instead to the baby's father, and to the mother's family, friends, neighbours or colleagues who may have relevant information.

Wynne asked anyone with knowledge of a woman or girl who may have been pregnant, or whose behaviour has seemed unusual or out of character in recent months, including withdrawal from friends, family or social ties, to contact North Wales Police. She acknowledged that coming forward may be difficult but said inaction is not an option. North Wales Police described the investigation as ongoing, with further details expected as the inquiry continues.