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Police 'extremely concerned' for mother after dead baby found in street

The child was discovered on Saturday morning. (Google)
The child was discovered on Saturday morning. (Google)

A newborn baby has been found dead on the street in Portsmouth, sparking a police appeal for help in finding the mother.

The child was discovered close to the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commercial Road in the Buckland area of the city at 6.18am on Saturday.

Hampshire Police said on Sunday they are “extremely concerned” for the mother and are making house-to-house inquiries in the neighbourhood.

DCI Simon Baker said: “I want to reiterate that our priority right now remains ensuring the welfare of the mother.

“This must be an extremely distressing time for her, and it is vitally important that she seeks medical assistance.

“I want to urge her to make contact with a medical professional as soon as possible. Whether that be a GP, by attending a hospital or walk-in centre, or speaking to any other healthcare workers.

“We have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries since yesterday morning and have a number of lines of enquiry.

“From CCTV footage in the area, we have identified five people who walked through Old Commercial Road from 5am onwards yesterday morning to the time we were called.

“I am now making a direct appeal to them. Please contact us.

DCI Baker said that officers had been making reviewing any footage available and seeking out any vehicles with dash-cams fitted.

“Whether you saw anything or not, it helps us to build our picture of what has happened,” he said.

“If you did see something, it is not important why you did not stop but we want to hear from you.

“I also want to reiterate, if you have concerns for someone you know or suspect has been recently heavily pregnant or given birth, or are worried for the whereabouts of a recently born child, please contact us.

“However insignificant you believe a piece of information may be, it could be vitally important to our investigation.”

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting Operation Cravat, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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