Portsmouth: ‘Concern’ for mum after newborn baby found dead in street
Written by News on 26/01/2020
Police are “extremely concerned” for the mother of a newborn baby found dead in a street in Portsmouth.
The infant was discovered at the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commercial Road shortly after 6.15am today.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Baker said he was making a “direct appeal” to the child’s mother to get in touch.
“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.
“I understand you may be frightened, but it is important that you get in touch with us.”
Officers are carrying out house to house inquiries.
Mr Baker also appealed to “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 continued: “Or maybe you have concerns for the whereabouts of a recently born baby.
“Anyone who contacts us can speak with us in complete confidence.
“We are extremely concerned for the welfare of the mother of this child.”
A baby boy was also found abandoned shortly before midday in Dalston, east London, and is now being cared for in hospital.
It appears he was “born outside of a hospital environment”, police said.
He was discovered in a grey babygrow and hat and wrapped in a white knitted blanket on Sandringham Road in Dalston.
Police are urging his mother to come forward to receive medical care and support.
Inspector Kevin Weeks appealed to her to “make contact either with police, your local hospital or GP surgery and let us know that you are safe”.
He added: “Our primary focus is to ensure the wellbeing of both you and your child.
“I would also urge anyone who has information that could help us to reunite this baby with his mother to come forward.”
Anyone with information about the Portsmouth case should call 101, quoting Operation Cravat or 44200030626. Alternatively, they can ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Anyone with information on the Dalston case should call 101 and quote CAD 3039/25Jan.
(c) Sky News 2020: Portsmouth: ‘Concern’ for mum after newborn baby found dead in street
