Police continue search for mother of newborn baby found dead in Portsmouth

Today police are continuing their investigation into the discovery of a newborn baby dead in a street.
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Here is everything we know so far:

:: The tot was found just before police were called at 6.18am on Saturday.

:: The baby was discovered near the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commercial Road in Buckland.

Police searching near Old Commercial Road. Picture: Keith Woodland (25012020-40)Police searching near Old Commercial Road. Picture: Keith Woodland (25012020-40)
Police searching near Old Commercial Road. Picture: Keith Woodland (25012020-40)
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:: CCTV shows five people walked through Old Commercial Road between 5am and the time police were called. Officers now want them to come forward.

:: Forensics teams put a tent over the body as officers have searched the area.

:: Neighbour Anastasia Jamieson, 43, a beauty therapist, told a national newspaper help is out there for mums, and added: ‘So we are just shocked it's happened. I saw the baby - I looked out the window. I couldn't sleep. No one knows where the mother is.’

:: Search dogs have been used in the operation.

Police after a newborn was discovered dead at the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commercial Road in Buckland. Picture: Keith Woodland (25012020-49)Police after a newborn was discovered dead at the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commercial Road in Buckland. Picture: Keith Woodland (25012020-49)
Police after a newborn was discovered dead at the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commercial Road in Buckland. Picture: Keith Woodland (25012020-49)
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Flowers and soft toys left in tribute to newborn baby found dead in Portsmouth

:: Police have made a direct appeal to the mother. Detective Chief Inspector Simon Baker said: ‘We are extremely concerned for the welfare of the mother of this child.’

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:: Neighbours reportedly said the child was found next to a lamppost under a blanket.

:: Bunches of flowers and soft toys have been left at the scene.

:: Police would like to speak to anyone in the area who has CCTV camera at their home, or has a dash cam in their car and were in the area – particularly if the camera continues recording when the engine is off.

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

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:: Emma Hayward, co-chair of the Portsmouth and Chichester branch of child bereavement charity Sands, told The News: ‘Anyone who is affected by the loss of a baby is welcome to approach us for any support. Our hearts go out to the family.’

:: The Sands helpline is 0808 164 3332 and the charity can be reached at [email protected]