Police Appeal to Mother After Newborn's Body Found on Menai Strait Shoreline in Bangor

North Wales Police have launched an urgent appeal to locate the mother of a newborn baby whose body was discovered along the shoreline of the Menai Strait in Bangor on Sunday afternoon. The grim find was made by a member of the public shortly before 17:00 BST near Siliwen Road, a residential area that sits close to the water's edge in the north Wales city.

The force has confirmed that a post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on Wednesday afternoon, which authorities hope will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the infant's death. Until those results are available, investigators are treating the case with significant urgency while keeping an open mind about what led to the tragedy.

At a press conference held in the wake of the discovery, Fiona Giraud, director of midwifery and women's services for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, made a direct and emotional appeal to the mother to come forward. She stressed that the priority for health professionals and police alike is not to assign blame but to ensure the woman receives the medical care and emotional support she may desperately need.

"I want you to know that our immediate concern is for your health, safety and wellbeing," Giraud said, addressing the mother directly. "We recognise that you may be feeling frightened, overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next." Her words underscored the delicate nature of the situation, in which authorities are balancing the need for a thorough investigation with profound concern for a potentially vulnerable individual.

Giraud added that there are "real concerns" for the mother's health, noting that she is likely to be "extremely vulnerable" and may be avoiding seeking help out of fear of being identified. She acknowledged that the woman might feel she has nowhere to turn or that she cannot speak to anyone about what has happened, and she urged her not to face the situation alone.

"We don't yet know all the circumstances surrounding your baby's death, but what is important right now is that we find you, make sure you are safe, and ensure you receive any medical attention and support you may need," Giraud said. She encouraged the mother to contact a healthcare professional, approach a police officer, or attend a police station, adding that there are people ready to help her take the first step.

Detective Sergeant Kelly Wynne echoed those sentiments, expressing concern that the mother "may not be in a position to reach out for support." She broadened the appeal to include the baby's father as well as the mother's family members, friends, neighbours, and colleagues, any of whom might hold crucial information about a woman or girl who may have been pregnant in recent months.

Wynne asked the public to consider whether they know anyone whose behaviour has been unusual or out of character, particularly if that person has withdrawn from friends, family, or social ties over the past few months. She acknowledged that coming forward can be difficult but emphasised that "inaction is not an option" in a case where a newborn's life has been lost.

The police force has indicated that residents in Bangor should expect to see an increased police presence over the coming days as the investigation continues. Officers will likely be conducting door-to-door enquiries and reviewing any available video footage from the surrounding area in an effort to piece together the timeline leading up to the discovery.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is being asked to contact North Wales Police on 101, quoting Operation Melex. In addition, a Major Incident Public Portal has been established, allowing members of the public to submit information directly to the police online. This digital tool is designed to make it easier for people who may be hesitant to speak on the phone to share what they know.

The location of the discovery, near Siliwen Road, is a quiet stretch of shoreline that forms part of the Menai Strait, the narrow body of water separating the Isle of Anglesey from mainland Wales. The area is known for its scenic views and is popular with walkers, but the tragic nature of Sunday's find has cast a shadow over the local community.

The case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of support available to women who find themselves in crisis during or after pregnancy. Health boards across Wales offer confidential services for new and expectant mothers, and midwives are trained to provide non-judgmental care. Giraud's appeal reflected that ethos, emphasising that the mother's welfare remains the foremost concern for healthcare professionals involved in the case.

As the investigation continues, police have not released further details about the baby, including whether the infant was born alive. The results of Wednesday's post-mortem examination are expected to provide critical information that could shape the direction of the enquiry. For now, the focus remains on locating the mother and ensuring she is safe.

The appeal has resonated beyond Bangor, with the story highlighting the sometimes invisible struggles faced by women in crisis. Authorities are urging anyone who suspects they know the mother, or who may have information about her circumstances, to come forward without delay, stressing that even the smallest detail could prove vital to the investigation.

North Wales Police have also reminded the public that support is available for anyone affected by the case, and that the investigation will proceed with sensitivity and respect for all those involved. As the community comes to terms with the discovery, the overriding message from officials remains one of compassion: the mother is not alone, and help is within reach.