The body of a baby girl was found along a north Wales shoreline on Sunday, and police believe it may have been in the water for up to a few weeks. The discovery came on the Menai Strait shoreline near Siliwen Road in Bangor, Gwynedd, shortly before 17:00 BST, when a member of the public made the distressing find.
A post-mortem examination confirmed the newborn was a girl, according to an update from North Wales Police on Thursday. The force continues to search for the girl’s mother and is urging her to contact officers.
The Search for the Mother
Superintendent Llinos Davies spoke directly to the woman in question, saying the force understands she may be fearful of coming forward. “We urge her to make contact with us,” Davies said, adding that the mother’s welfare and safety is their “utmost concern.”
Davies also appealed to the wider community for information. “Anyone with concerns about a girl or a woman you think may have been pregnant or whose behaviour has been unusual or out of character over the past few months, including withdrawing from friends, family or social ties, please contact us,” she said.
The officer stressed that all names received would be treated with the utmost discretion and can be eliminated as the mother without delay. “I understand that this is a terribly sad incident for the community and I am grateful for the overwhelming support and assistance that we have received so far,” Davies said.
Fiona Giraud’s Appeal
Fiona Giraud, director of midwifery and women’s services for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, addressed the mother directly. Her message was urgent and personal.
“Our immediate concern remains to be your health, safety and wellbeing,” Giraud said. She acknowledged the fear many women feel in this situation. “You may feel you have nowhere to turn, or that you cannot speak to anyone about what has happened. Please do not feel that you have to face this alone.”
The health board director said the full picture of what happened to the baby has not yet emerged. “We don’t yet know all the circumstances surrounding your baby’s death, but what is important right now is that we find you, make sure you are safe and ensure you receive any medical attention and support you may need.”
Giraud closed with a direct request. “I am asking you personally, please take the first step and contact us. There are people to help you.”
What Police Know So Far
The timeline is still emerging. The body was found on Sunday, and the post-mortem examination took place since then. Further tests are under way to learn more about the baby.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Menai Strait shoreline near Siliwen Road, Bangor, Gwynedd |
| Time found | Sunday, shortly before 17:00 BST |
| Post-mortem result | Confirmed the newborn was a girl |
| Tests ongoing | Yes, to find more about the baby |
| Mother contact | Urgently sought |
The key facts of the case are simple and heavy:
- The body was found on the Menai Strait shoreline near Siliwen Road in Bangor, Gwynedd
- Found on Sunday, shortly before 17:00 BST
- A post-mortem examination confirmed the newborn was a girl
- Police believe the baby may have been in the water for up to a few weeks
What Happens Now
Police are treating this as an urgent matter. The mother’s identity remains unknown, and her whereabouts are unclear. Davies and Giraud have both made clear that the door is open for her to come forward without fear of judgment.
The community has shown support for the investigation, and Davies thanked local residents for their assistance. The hope now is that the mother hears these appeals and answers the call.
Source material: “Body of baby girl found in Wales may have been in the water for weeks, police say,” the BBC.
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