Three women held after body of baby girl found in street

POLICE investigating the murder of a newborn baby found dumped in the street yesterday arrested three women.

The girl’s body was discovered on January 25 on a cobbled residential street in Portsmouth under a street lamp near the birthplace of Charles Dickens.

Following a three-month investigation, detectives yesterday arrested three women aged 39, 21 and 20 on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

Later, police were seen searching a £200,000 terraced house.

One neighbour, who has lived on the street for 40 years, said a single mother lived with her two teenage sons and two older daughters at the house.

Yesterday officers were seen removing several clear plastic bags and mattresses from the property. During their investigation, Hampshire Constabulary visited hundreds of households in Portsmouth and analysed hours of CCTV footage obtained from more than 60 locations.

Experts from the National Crime Agency were drafted in to help with the wide-ranging inquiry.

A number of appeals were made for the mother to come forward amid fears for her health.

A yellow Primark towel found beside the baby girl was believed to hold a vital clue to the mother’s identity, although she has never been named.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Baker said: ‘We know this case was upsetting for a lot of people within the community. If you have any concerns or information that could help, please speak to our officers.’