A body of an unborn child has been found in Dorset with an urgent search for the mother now underway by police.
The foetus was discovered on Canford Heath in Poole with police called at around 3.50pm, on Thursday.
Now police and medics are appealing for information about the mother's whereabouts so that she receives the necessary care.
Chief Inspector Gavin House, of Dorset Police, said: “This is a very sad discovery and our absolute priority now is to locate the mother of the child to ensure she receives the appropriate care.
"I would also ask anyone who witnessed anything in the area of Canford Heath on Thursday 2 March 2023, or from anyone with any information to help us find and support the mother."
Dr Paul Johnson Chief Medical Officer with NHS Dorset also called for anyone "who may have concerns about a family member, loved one, or friend to make contact".
He said “I am appealing directly to her to please contact medical services or the police as soon as possible so that we can ensure she is safe. I would also appeal to anyone who may have concerns about a family member, loved one, or friend to make contact.”
Forensic teams were seen at Canford Heath for several hours on Thursday evening and a large cordon was placed around the area.
Several police vehicles were at the scene and a helicopter was overhead.
Many people have spoken on social media about the “heartbreaking” incident.
One person wrote on Facebook: “Absolutely heartbreaking poor mother hope she's found and gets the help she needs.”
Another replied: “I agree, heartbreaking.”
There were plenty of other similar comments.
"Blimey. It might have been a vulnerable or young woman who was too scared to seek medical help. I hope she's ok," wrote one person, while another said: "So very sad hope the mother get the help she needs."
Further comments included: "I hope the mum is found soon and gets some help, she must have been really scared. I hope the person who found the baby is ok too, very sad."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online here or by calling 101, quoting incident number 02:495. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online here or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
