Body of newborn baby found on Welsh shoreline, prompting search for mother

Authorities in north Wales are trying to locate the mother of an infant found dead on a shoreline in Bangor, amid concerns that she may be in poor health or in a fragile state of mind.

According to the Guardian, a passerby discovered the baby's remains near the Menai strait on Sunday, shortly before 5pm. Officials have not released the child's age or sex.

North Wales Police confirmed the discovery and said officers are now trying to trace the woman who gave birth, describing the search as urgent. Detective Sergeant Kelly Wynne said investigators believe the mother may be unable or unwilling to come forward on her own, and that the force is appealing not only to her but to the baby's father and anyone else who might have relevant information.

Wynne asked members of the public to come forward if they know of a woman or girl who may have recently been pregnant, or whose conduct has seemed different in recent months, such as pulling away from relatives, friends or usual routines. She stressed that the priority is making sure the mother gets medical care and support, adding that any names passed to police would be handled with sensitivity and could be quickly ruled out if they do not match.

"The mother desperately needs help," Wynne said, urging anyone with knowledge of the situation to come forward.

Fiona Giraud, who leads midwifery and women's health services at Betsi Cadwaladr University health board, said health workers share serious worries about the mother's wellbeing. She said it is likely the woman is in a highly vulnerable position and may be avoiding help out of fear that doing so would reveal her identity.

Speaking directly to the mother, Giraud said the main concern right now is her health and safety. She acknowledged the woman may be scared, overwhelmed or uncertain about what to do, and encouraged her not to try to cope with the situation alone.

Giraud added that while the full circumstances behind the baby's death are still unclear, the immediate goal is to find the mother, confirm she is safe, and get her any medical or emotional support she might need. She said the woman could reach out to a healthcare worker, speak to a police officer, or go to a police station for help.

Police said a postmortem examination of the baby was scheduled for Wednesday, which may provide further information about the circumstances of the death.

The case has drawn attention across Wales as investigators continue to appeal to the public for help identifying and locating the mother, whom they describe as being in urgent need of care.