Mother who ‘secretly gave birth in a park’ faces desperate police probe over mystery over whether baby is dead or alive
Hampshire police fear the woman went into the park to give birth secretly
Police have launched an urgent search for a mother believed to have given birth in a park as mystery surrounds whether the baby is dead or alive
The placenta was discovered in the Holly Brook Park area of Southampton on Wednesday morning, with no sign of the baby.
It is feared that a woman sneaked into the park to give birth before leaving, raising concerns about her and the newborn.
It is not known whether the child is alive or dead. If alive, emergency treatment may be needed – as may the mother.
Hampshire Police, who are using tracker dogs in the park as officers go door-to-door, said they were following ‘a number of lines of inquiry’ in the area.
Drones have also been deployed in the sky to hover over the park.
Officers are going door-to-door to look for the missing woman and say they are following ‘numerous lines of enquiry’ in the area.
It is not known if the woman was accompanied by anyone else who assisted in the birth.
A local woman said: ‘It’s horrible. I can’t imagine what that woman is going through.
‘I’m really sorry for him.’
Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy said: ‘While we are still unable to ascertain exactly what happened here, we are extremely concerned for the welfare of the person who was born.
‘I appeal directly to him to contact us.
‘I know this must be a very difficult time for you, but I want to make sure you get the right help and care.
A cordon was in place along Dale Road towards Holly Brook following the discovery of a human placenta on Wednesday morning.
‘I understand you may be scared, it is important that you contact us.
‘We would like to speak to anyone who is concerned about someone who has recently become pregnant, who you think may have become pregnant or who has recently given birth without support.’
He added: ‘Anyone who contacts us can speak to us in complete confidence. Our priority now is to make sure this child’s mother gets the help she needs.
‘Officers will be searching the Holly Brook Park area today and you will see an increased presence.
‘If you have any concerns, no matter how trivial you think they are, please don’t hesitate to approach an officer or call us.’
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 44230246419.
Holly Brook Park, near Shirley Warren, close to Spire Southampton Hospital, a private hospital with a women’s health department.
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