Newborn Baby Girl Found on Welsh Shore May Have Been in Water Weeks, Police Say

Police in North Wales have launched a major investigation after the body of a newborn baby girl was discovered on a seashore in Bangor, Gwynedd. A walker found the deceased infant along the shoreline over the weekend, and authorities revealed on Thursday that the baby may have been in the sea for several weeks.

North Wales Police confirmed the deceased was a girl and stated that while she has not yet been identified, they have received calls with potential names for the mother. Officers are keeping an open mind regarding where the baby may have entered the water, but it is suspected that currents may have carried the body into the Menai Strait from elsewhere in Britain or Ireland.

To aid the investigation, oceanography experts are being consulted about marine currents to help determine the point of entry into the sea. "Initial indications are that she may have been in the water for up to a few weeks," police stated in an update.

Further tests are underway to gather more information about the infant. Police are also conducting house-to-house inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage. Superintendent Llinos Davies urged the mother to come forward, emphasizing that her welfare and safety are the utmost concern. "I'd like to reassure her that her welfare and safety is our utmost concern," Davies said. "Anyone with concerns about a girl or a woman you think may have been pregnant or whose behaviour has been unusual or out of character over the past few months including withdrawing from friends, family or social ties, please contact us."

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has also issued a message to the mother. Fiona Giraud, director of midwifery and women’s services, stated, "Our immediate concern remains your health, safety and wellbeing. You may feel you have nowhere to turn or that you cannot speak to anyone about what has happened. Please do not feel that you have to face this alone."

Authorities are appealing for anyone with information to contact North Wales Police on 101, quoting Operation Melex, or through the force's Major Incident Public Portal. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers.