Police looking for five people seen where baby was found dead in Portsmouth

The newborn baby was discovered at the junction of Old Commercial Road and Victoria Street shortly before 6.20am yesterday morning.

Officers cordoned off the area and set up a forensics tent yesterday, and have been carrying out more house-to-house enquiries today.

Yesterday police said they were ‘extremely concerned’ for the baby’s mother and have renewed their appeal for help in finding her.

DCI Simon Baker said: ‘I want to reiterate that our priority right now remains ensuring the welfare of the mother.

‘This must be an extremely distressing time for her, and it is vitally important that she seeks medical assistance.

‘I want to urge her to make contact with a medical professional as soon as possible. Whether that be a GP, by attending a hospital or walk-in centre, or speaking to any other healthcare workers.’

DCI Baker added that, through CCTV from the area, officers have identified five people who walked through Old Commercial Road between 5am and the time police were called.

He said: ‘I am now making a direct appeal to them. Please contact us.

‘Whether you saw anything or not, it helps us to build our picture of what has happened.

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‘If you did see something, it is not important why you did not stop but we want to hear from you.

‘I also want to reiterate, if you have concerns for someone you know or suspect has been recently heavily pregnant or given birth, or are worried for the whereabouts of a recently born child, please contact us.

‘However insignificant you believe a piece of information may be, it could be vitally important to our investigation.’

Police would also like to speak to anyone in the area who has a 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.

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.