Police in Lancashire have launched an investigation after the remains of an unborn baby were discovered in a bag beneath a bridge. Authorities are urgently seeking to identify and locate the mother, expressing concern for her welfare.
The discovery was made by a passerby under the Lower Hodder Bridge near Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, on Tuesday afternoon. Initially believed to be a placenta, the bag was found by officers to contain the remains of a partially developed fetus.
DCI Jill Vescovi of Lancashire Constabulary's Force Major Investigation Team described the discovery as "devastatingly sad." The investigation is in its early stages, with efforts focused on determining the gestational stage of the fetus and understanding how it came to be at the location.
"It is really important for us to find the mother of this baby," Vescovi stated. "We are concerned about her health, and her welfare, and urgently need to identify her and speak to her." Police acknowledged that the mother may be frightened to come forward but emphasized the need to ensure she has received any necessary medical treatment and to understand the circumstances surrounding the discovery.
Investigators are appealing to the public for assistance, particularly those who were in the area of Lower Hodder Bridge over the weekend and on Tuesday afternoon. They are especially keen to speak with a man seen in the area with two children between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Lancashire Constabulary by calling 101, referencing log 0864 of August 11.
Historical Context
The Lower Hodder Bridge is situated next to the historic Cromwell Bridge. This older bridge is notable as the crossing point for Oliver Cromwell and 8,000 troops in 1648 before the Battle of Preston.