'It's really sad to hear': Portsmouth residents shocked after baby found dead in street

Residents in a ‘quiet’ Portsmouth street have spoken of their shock after a newborn baby was found dead by the roadside.
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Police were called shortly before 6.20am this morning at the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commercial Road, near the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum.

Officers have been at the scene all day speaking to residents while a white forensics tent was set up in the middle of the street.

Residents have spoken of their shock at the news.

Police in Old Commercial Road after a newborn baby was found deadPolice in Old Commercial Road after a newborn baby was found dead
Police in Old Commercial Road after a newborn baby was found dead
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Steve Binfield, 63, said: ‘I left the house at 6.30am and the police were setting up their cordon.

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Newborn baby found dead in Portsmouth street

‘I’m surprised because this is a really quiet area - you only really get tourists around here because of the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum.

‘It’s a really sad thing to hear.’

A police cordon has been in place since this morningA police cordon has been in place since this morning
A police cordon has been in place since this morning

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: ‘I can’t say I know anybody who has had a baby recently around here, my apartment block is for over 55s.

‘I wouldn’t have liked to be the person who found that baby, it’s a horrible thing to find.

‘I just hope the mother is okay, wherever she may be.’

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Police in Old Commercial Road after a newborn baby was found deadPolice in Old Commercial Road after a newborn baby was found dead
Police in Old Commercial Road after a newborn baby was found dead

Another anonymous resident said: ‘It’s crazy that something like this could happen.

‘The thing is if you’re struggling there are hundreds of places that can help you.

‘There’s help and support available and that makes this even sadder.’

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Detective Chief Inspector Simon Baker said officers are ‘extremely concerned for the welfare of the mother’ of the child.

Police in Old Commercial Road after a newborn baby was found deadPolice in Old Commercial Road after a newborn baby was found dead
Police in Old Commercial Road after a newborn baby was found dead

He said: ‘I am making a direct appeal to her to get in touch with us. I know this must be a very distressing time for you, but I want to make sure you are getting the right help and care.

‘I understand you may be frightened, but it is important that you get in touch with us.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting Operation Cravat or 44200030626. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you have been affected by this story and would like to speak to a child bereavement charity, you can visit the Sands website or call 0808 164 3332.