Baby found beside Menai Strait may have been in water for weeks, police say

A member of the public found the newborn baby’s body on the Menai Strait shoreline near Siliwen Road shortly before 17:00 BST on Sunday. North Wales Police are trying to find the baby’s mother and have appealed for her to come forward, saying she may be extremely vulnerable. [1]

Fiona Giraud, director of midwifery and women’s services at Betsi Cadwaladr health board, appealed directly to the mother at a press conference. She said the immediate concern was for her health, safety and wellbeing, and acknowledged that she might be frightened or unsure what to do next. [1]

Det Sgt Kelly Wynne said police were concerned the mother might be unable to seek support herself. She appealed to the baby’s father and to the mother’s family, friends, neighbours and colleagues for information. [1]

The circumstances of the baby’s death are not yet known, Giraud said. A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Wednesday afternoon. [1]

Update

North Wales Police said a post-mortem examination established that the newborn found on the Menai Strait shoreline near Bangor was a girl. Initial indications suggest her body may have been in the water for up to a few weeks, the force said in a Thursday update. [2]

A member of the public found the body near Siliwen Road shortly before 17:00 BST on Sunday. [2]