Body of unborn child discovered on heath in Dorset town, as cops launch urgent hunt for mother

COPS have launched an urgent search for a mum after they found a dead unborn child on a heath in a Dorset town.

Police received reports that the body had been found in Canford Heath in the coastal town of Poole on Thursday.

The lifeless baby was found in Canford Heath on Thursday afternoon

Officers rushed to the scene at 3.50pm after being alerted to the tragic discovery of a “deceased human foetus”.

The force are concerned for the welfare of the missing mother and have appealed to the public to help find her.

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.”

Authorities urged the woman to contact emergency services immediately so that she can receive medical treatment.

Dr Paul Johnson Chief Medical Officer with NHS Dorset 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.”

The heathland was cordoned off for several hours as forensic teams swept the scene.

A police helicopter was also seen scouring the area from above.

Multiple police cars and an ambulance were said to have attended following the harrowing find.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 02:495.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.