‘WE STILL HAVEN’T FOUND THIS POOR BABY’S MUM’
ONE YEAR ON... THE TRAGEDY OF THE NEW-BORN BABY BOY FOUND DEAD IN A HANDBAG
MYSTERY continues to surround the identity of a baby whose body was found wrapped in a towel inside a black leather handbag.
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the tragic discovery, near an industrial estate in Newport.
Twelve months on, police are still trying to find the little boy’s mother.
“It is now a year since the baby was found and this must be an incredibly distressing time for the mother,” Detective Inspector Judith Roberts, of Gwent Police, said.
“The anniversary may bring back painful memories and we want to ensure that she is offered the right support.
“Anyone with information is urged to get in touch.
“If you want to speak with us confidentially or anonymously that can be arranged.”
The child was found on January 29, 2016, on land near Imperial Park, Coedkernew, Newport, and police were called to the scene at 2pm.
The next day officers were still in the area and had cordoned off a section of woodland.
A post-mortem examination carried out last year confirmed the baby was newborn, arrived at or around full term, and was wrapped in a towel.
“The baby was a boy and he was found wrapped in a white towel which had the words ‘St Annes’ hand written along the edge,” a police spokeswoman said.
“We know this towel originated from St Anne’s Hospice in Newport and that many similar towels exist.
“The baby was then placed in a black leather-type handbag identical to the one pictured.
“Can you connect these items with a woman or girl who may have been upset, anxious or acting strangely at this time last year and may have been so again recently, at around the anniversary of the birth?”
At the time the death was treated as unexplained. The main concern of police remains the well-being of the baby’s mother.
Gwent Police have made video appeals directed to the mum.
In them a woman named Lucy is seen speaking directly to the woman they wish to find.
She says: “I’m part of the team that are trying to find out what happened to the baby in Newport.
“I’m really worried about the mum and want you to know that you can call or text me. I can offer you all the help you may need.
“We are really keen to find a name for your baby. Maybe you have already named the baby and you would like to tell me.
“I know you cared for your baby because you wrapped your little one in a towel.
“If you feel that you may be able to speak to me could you please call me.”
In a second video Lucy says: “I know that you gave birth naturally and you were possibly alone,” Lucy said.
“Maybe you are in need of medical help.
“I understand that you are frightened and that you may be scared of what may happen to you.”
One employee who worked nearby, and did not want to be named, said at the time: “It is a real shock.
“There’s been a lot of police activity and the area of small trees is taped off. It is terrible to think that some poor woman has given birth and this is where the baby had ended up.”