Police and medical professionals are appealing to the mother of a newborn baby to come forward after the infant’s body was found washed up on a North Wales shoreline.
A major investigation was launched after a walker discovered the child’s body during a Sunday evening stroll along the coast in Bangor, Gwynedd, at the weekend.
Police have not yet revealed the baby’s sex, ethnicity or age. A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out on Wednesday.
Investigators believe the body may have been carried by the tide into the Menai Strait, which separates Anglesey from mainland North Wales. It may have come from elsewhere in Britain or even from Ireland.
The infant was found near Siliwen Road in the university city shortly before 5pm by the passer-by.
Fiona Giraud, director of women’s services at Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board, made a direct appeal to the baby’s mother. She said: ‘I want you to know that our immediate concern is for your health, safety and well-being.
‘We understand that you may be frightened, overwhelmed or uncertain about what to do next.
The baby’s body was found along the Menai Strait shoreline in Bangor, North Wales, pictured. Police have cordoned off the area
Police at the scene near Siliwen Road in Bangor on Tuesday
An aerial view of the Menai Strait, which separates Anglesey from mainland North Wales
‘You may feel that there is 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.
‘We do not yet know the full circumstances surrounding your baby’s death. Our priority is to find you, make sure you are safe and ensure you receive any medical care and support you may need.
‘I am asking you personally to please contact us. You can speak to a healthcare professional, approach a police officer or go to a police station.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 2026’s Wildest Box Office Week Had a Hit for Everyone
‘If you are watching or listening to this appeal, please know that we want to hear from you. Take the first step and get in touch. There are people who can help you.’
Ms Giraud said health staff had ‘real concerns’ about the mother’s well-being.
‘We recognise that she is likely to be extremely vulnerable,’ she added. ‘She may be afraid to seek the support she needs because she fears identifying herself.’
Detective Sergeant Kelly Wynne, who is leading the North Wales Police investigation, also urged relatives and others who may know about a recent birth to come forward.
‘We are concerned that the baby’s mother may not be able to reach out for support, so we are appealing directly to her, the father and anyone with relevant information, including friends, family members, neighbours or colleagues,’ she said.
‘If you know of a woman or girl who may have been pregnant, or whose behaviour has seemed unusual or out of character in recent months—including withdrawing from friends, family or social circles—please contact us.
‘We understand that coming forward will be difficult, but doing nothing is not an option. The mother urgently needs help.’
‘Anyone with information, we need you to do the right thing to ensure this mother gets the health support she needs.’
The officer said any names provided to them would be ‘treated with the utmost discretion’.
Police confirmed that the local coroner had been informed and they were carrying out house-to-house and CCTV inquiries in the immediate area.
They also said the coastguard had been involved in the search for clues.
Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting Operation Melex, or give details directly through the force’s Major Incident Public Portal, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.