Newborn baby found dead in woodland near Southampton
5 March 2020, 22:31
A newborn baby boy has been found dead in a Hampshire woodland as police make a direct appeal to his mother.
Hampshire Police are urging the mother of the baby to come forward to ensure she receives necessary care and assistance.
The boy was found in an area of woodland close to Shore Road in Hythe, near Southampton, shortly after 2pm on Thursday.
So far, police are treating the baby's death as unexplained.
Detective Chief Inspector Ross Toms said: "I have no doubt this will have been a very distressing experience for the mother of this baby.
"Our priority right now is to ensure she receives the care and assistance she requires.
"I want to make a direct appeal to her.
"You may be very frightened right now and it is vitally important that you make contact with us or someone else.
"You may not want to contact the police and I understand that.
"If that is the case, I want to urge you to seek assistance from a healthcare professional or to attend a hospital as soon as possible."
We have launched an investigation after a recently born baby boy was found dead in #Hythe this afternoon (March 5).
— Hampshire Police (@HantsPolice) March 5, 2020
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting Operation Verse or 4200084127.
Full appeal: https://t.co/KCT1BvB22W pic.twitter.com/xjd9AZH2QY
Hampshire Police are also encouraging anyone with concerns about someone who was recently pregnant or has given birth to speak with officers.
Mr Toms added: "I would also like to hear from anyone that has CCTV or dashcam footage from Shore Road or Frost Lane and the surrounding area.
"However insignificant it may seem to you, I would urge you to call us and let us know."
Anyone with information should call 101, quoting either Operation Verse or the reference 44200084127. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
