Mother who ‘secretly gave birth in a park’ sparks desperate police search as mystery surrounds whether child is dead or alive
- Hampshire Police fear the woman slipped into the park to secretly give birth
Police have launched an urgent search for a mother who is believed to have given birth in a park – as mystery surrounds whether the child is dead or alive.
The discovery of a placenta was made on Wednesday morning in the Holly Brook Park area of Southampton.
The fear is the mother slipped into the park to secretly give birth and then staggered off.
There was no sign of the baby either so it is not known whether the infant was born alive or dead.
If the baby is alive, it may need urgent medical attention – as may the mother.
Officers have been going door-to-door to search for the missing woman, and said they are following ‘a number of lines of enquiry’ in the area
It also remains unknown whether the woman had anyone else with her who might have assisted with the birth.
Hampshire Police, who have been using tracker dogs in the park while officers go door-to-door, say they are following ‘a number of lines of enquiry’ in the area.
Drones have also been set up in the sky to hover over the park.
Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy said: ‘While we are yet to establish exactly what has happened here, we are extremely concerned for the welfare of the person who may have given birth.
‘I am making a direct appeal for her to get in touch with us.
‘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.
‘I understand you may be frightened, it is important that you get in touch with us.
‘We want to speak with anyone who has concerns about someone who has recently been pregnant, that you think may have been pregnant or may have given birth recently without support.’
A cordon was in place at the path leading to Holly Brook off Dale Road, following the discovery of a human placenta on Wednesday morning
He added: ‘Anyone who contacts us can speak with us in complete confidence. Our priority now is to ensure the mother of this child receives the assistance she requires.
‘Officers will be carrying out enquiries in the Holly Brook Park area today and you will see an increased presence.
‘If you have any concerns, however insignificant you may believe them to be, please do not hesitate to approach an officer or to call us.’
One local woman resident said: ‘This is dreadful. I can’t imagine what the woman must be going through.
‘I feel really sorry for her. I wonder what she must be going through.’
Anyone with information has been urged to call 101 quoting reference 44230246419.
Holly Brook Park, near Shirley Warren, is close to Spire Southampton Hospital, a private hospital with a women’s health department.
