Newborn baby found dead in Portsmouth street

A newborn baby has been found dead in a street close to Portsmouth city centre.
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The body was found early this morning at the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commercial Road, close to the birthplace of Charles Dickens.

Police were called at 6.18am and set up a forensics tent in the street.

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Officers have been on patrol this morning in the area, carrying out house to house enquiries.

Police in Old Commercial Road on Saturday January 25, 2020.Police in Old Commercial Road on Saturday January 25, 2020.
Police in Old Commercial Road on Saturday January 25, 2020.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Baker said: ‘We are extremely concerned for the welfare of the mother of this child.

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‘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.

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‘We want to speak with anyone who has concerns about someone who has recently been heavily pregnant, that you suspect may have been heavily pregnant or who has given birth very recently.

‘Or maybe you have concerns for the whereabouts of a recently born baby.

‘Anyone who contacts us can speak with us in complete confidence. Our priority now is to ensure the mother of this child receives the assistance she requires.‘Officers will be carrying out house to house enquiries in the Old Commercial Road area today and you will see an increased presence.

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‘If you have any concerns, however insignificant you may believe them to be, please do not hesitate to approach an officer or to call 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.