The body of a baby girl, believed to have been stillborn, was found in the toilet of a British pub over the weekend, with authorities searching for the mother and fearing she needs “urgent” treatment.
Emergency services were called to the Three Horse Shoes pub in Alton, Leeds, just before 5pm on Sunday, where they discovered a deceased infant.
Police called the discovery a “tragic incident” and said evidence suggested the baby’s death was a “stillbirth” and may have occurred in the bathroom stall where it was discovered. The Guardian newspaper reported.
Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of West Yorkshire Police, said he was “urgently appealing” to the baby’s mother to contact her or seek medical attention.
“From a police perspective, I want to be clear: I’m not here to arrest you, and I’m not here to arrest anyone else,” Entwistle told reporters. He said this at a press conference.
“We’re here to make sure you understand what happened and make sure you get the medical care you need.”
Karen Sykes, head of safeguarding at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, urged the mother to come forward.
“We are extremely concerned about your medical, physical and mental health at this time and ask you to seek urgent medical help and advice,” Mr Sykes said.
Pub owners wrote on social media about the tragic situation: “I’ve been writing post after post over the past hour, but I don’t think now is the best time given the circumstances…I’m sure there is speculation” about the events that occurred at our facility this evening. ”
“All I can say at this point is that I’m sorry to everyone who was with me during this incident and to everyone who was planning to come but couldn’t make it,” they continued.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who helped us through this difficult time as a team. We cannot go unrecognized for that.”
West Yorkshire Police, supported by the NHS, launched a “full investigation” into the discovery, but their biggest concern was for the mother’s welfare.
“Our first priority remains the mother’s welfare and safety,” Mr Entwistle added.
“We urge the mother of the baby girl to contact us or seek medical assistance, as she has been through a very traumatic ordeal and may require treatment herself. “This is an urgent call,” he said.
Pubs remained closed on Monday.
