September 29, 2026 - 314 views
A police investigation into the death of a newborn baby found on the Bangor coastline has entered a new phase, with officers making a direct appeal to the baby's mother to come forward.
The baby was discovered by a member of the public on the shoreline near Siliwen Road shortly before 5pm on Sunday, September 27. North Wales Police, supported by the Coastguard and other agencies, has been carrying out searches and enquiries in the area.
A cordon has been put in place between Siliwen Road and the Menai Strait, while officers have also been carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV.
The circumstances surrounding the baby's death have not yet been established. The coroner has been informed and a Home Office post-mortem examination is due to take place on Wednesday afternoon.
Police say their immediate concern is now locating the baby's mother, who has not been identified, because she may need urgent medical attention and support.
Fiona Giraud, Director of Midwifery and Women's Services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and Detective Sergeant Kelly Wynne have recorded a joint appeal directly to her.
The health board says the woman may be extremely vulnerable and could be frightened about seeking help or worried about identifying herself.
Detective Sergeant Wynne is also appealing to people who may know the woman, including friends, relatives, neighbours or colleagues.
Police are asking anyone who knows of a woman or girl who they believe may have been pregnant, or whose behaviour has been unusual or out of character in recent months, to contact them.
That could include someone who has become withdrawn from friends, family or their usual social activities.
Police have stressed that they are particularly concerned about the mother's health and want to make sure she receives any medical care and support she may need.
Detective Sergeant Wynne said information provided about potential mothers would be treated with the utmost discretion, and that individuals could be eliminated from the investigation without delay if they were not the woman police are looking for.
The investigation has been given the name Operation Melex, and a Major Incident Public Portal has been established so members of the public can provide information directly to detectives.
Anyone with immediate concerns or information can contact North Wales Police on 101, quoting Operation Melex. Information can also be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers.
The health board's People's Enquiry and Resolution Service can also be contacted on 03000 851 234, Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.
North Wales Police says people in the Bangor area may continue to see an increased police presence while enquiries and searches continue.
The appeal comes as investigators continue to establish exactly what happened to the newborn and where the baby's mother may be. Police have not released further details about the baby while those enquiries continue.
