A newborn baby girl was found dead in a rubbish pile at a warehouse in Rowley Regis, West Midlands, prompting a police investigation and an urgent search for the child's mother. Staff at a private waste management firm made the discovery shortly before midday on Thursday.
Detectives believe the baby was inadvertently transported to the Station Road warehouse by waste workers on Wednesday. The waste management company has been ruled out as having any involvement in the baby's death. Forensic examinations are underway to determine the cause of death.
West Midlands Police are expressing concern for the mother's welfare and are appealing for anyone who might have information to come forward. "She may also need care, help or treatment of her own," a police spokesperson stated. The appeal extends to anyone who may have noticed a change in behavior in a loved one recently, suggesting they might know the mother or have knowledge of her whereabouts.
Detective Chief Inspector Kylie Westlake emphasized that locating the mother is the priority. "While we don't yet know what has happened, what we do know is that there must be a mother out there who is in real need of help – and she is our absolute priority at the moment," DCI Westlake said. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and checking with local hospitals, but hope the mother or someone who knows her may see the public appeal. Information is being handled sensitively, and police are asking anyone who might know of a baby and mother who have not been seen for several days to contact them via a dedicated major incident public portal.