Police urgently hunting potential witness after human placenta discovered in Southampton park
POLICE have today released an image of a man they wish to identify after a human placenta was discovered in a park.
The grim discovery was made on June 21 in Southampton’s Holly Brook Park area.
Officers have now released an image of a potential witness they are urgently hoping to speak to.
The man is believed to have been in the Dale Road/Holly Brook Park area on July 1 at around midday.
Hampshire Police have also released a further plea for information as they continue to hunt for the mum.
It is feared she may have entered the park to give birth and could need medical attention.
Police do not know if the baby is alive and say they could also need urgent treatment.
Detective Chief Inspector Elizabeth Pirie said: “We remain extremely concerned for the welfare of the mother who recently gave birth, we believe between June 17th and 21st in the Holly Brook Park area.
“Our number one priority is the welfare of both the mother and child involved, and as such we need anyone with concerns for a girl or woman they know to make contact with us.
“We recognise that the mother may be fearful of identifying herself and she needs your help to get the care she and her baby desperately need.
“The trauma experienced by giving birth alone will continue to affect her unless she receives the appropriate support as soon as possible, even if she believes she is ok.”
DCI Pirie urged anyone who knows a woman or girl who may have been pregnant and was experiencing “unusual or out of character” behaviour in the past few months to get in touch.
She said this could include “withdrawing from friends, family and social ties”.
The officer added: “All names will be treated with the upmost discretion and can easily be discounted from enquiries without delay, if they are not the mother we are seeking.
“The mother and child desperately need help. Please help us to help them.”
Anyone with information should call 101, quoting reference Op Holdo/44230246419.