Police in Lancashire have launched an investigation after the remains of an unborn baby were found in a bag beneath a bridge. The discovery was made by a passerby under the Lower Hodder Bridge near Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, on Tuesday afternoon.
Officers from Lancashire Constabulary were alerted to the scene just after 3 p.m. The passerby initially believed they had found a bagged placenta on the wooded east bank of the River Hodder. Upon recovery, police confirmed the bag contained the remains of a fetus.
The force is now working to determine the stage of gestation the fetus had reached. Detectives have expressed concern for the welfare of the mother and are urgently trying to locate her.
DCI Jill Vescovi of Lancashire Constabulary's Force Major Investigation Team stated that the investigation is in its early stages. "What we do know is that it is really important for us to find the mother of this baby," Vescovi said. "We are concerned about her health, and her welfare, and urgently need to identify her and speak to her."
Authorities are appealing for anyone who was in the area over the weekend to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking with a man who was seen in the area with two children on Tuesday between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
"I know that she must have been through something horrific, and she may be frightened about coming forward," Vescovi added. "We want to make sure you are safe and that you have had any relevant treatment you may need."
Police are asking the public for any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to assist with determining how the fetus came to be in the area. Those with information are urged to contact Lancashire Constabulary by calling 101, quoting log 0864 of August 11.