'Concern' for mum after newborn baby found dead in street
25 January 2020, 15:02
Police are "extremely concerned" for the mother of a newborn baby who was found dead in a Portsmouth street.
The infant was discovered shortly after 6:15am on Saturday at the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commercial Road.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Baker directly appealed to the mother, saying he understood she "may be frightened" but that it was vital she contacted the police.
"I know this must be a very distressing time for you, but I want to make sure you are getting the right help and care," he said.
DCI Baker expressed his "extreme concern" for the mum's welfare and that his priority was to ensure she "receives the assistance she requires."
"We want to speak with anyone who has concerns about someone who has recently been heavily pregnant, that you suspect may have been heavily pregnant or who has given birth very recently," he added.
"Or maybe you have concerns for the whereabouts of a recently born baby.
"Anyone who contacts us can speak with us in complete confidence."
Hampshire Police are carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the Old Commercial Road area. A scene remains in place.
Anyone with information should call 101, quoting Operation Cravat or 44200030626, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
It comes as the Metropolitan Police found a separate newborn baby boy near a main road in Hackney, east London.
The infant was found in a grey babygrow and hat on Sandringham Road, just off the busy Kingsland Road.
He is now being cared for at an east London hospital after being attended to by the London Ambulance Service.
Inspector Kevin Weeks urged the mother to contact the police, a local hospital or a GP surgery to let them know she is safe.
If you have any information that could help police with this incident, you can call 101 and quote CAD 3039/25Jan.
