Body of baby found at waste recycling centre 'collected from bins in Worcester' » Communities » 24dash.com

The body of a baby girl found at a recycling centre may have travelled miles through the waste collection system, police said today.

Officers are working on the theory that the newborn baby's body reached the plant via a waste sorting plant in Bromsgrove, West Midlands, having been collected from waste bins in Worcester.

A worker at the plant, in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, discovered the body at about 7.30am yesterday.

South Worcestershire Police said the investigation points towards the baby originating "from, in or around Worcester" and there are fears the baby's mother could be at serious "physical and emotional" risk.

Det Insp Adrian Todd, who is leading the inquiry, said: "Just because the body was taken in a collection from Worcester does not necessarily mean it originated from the city, so we are keeping an open mind as to where it was born and where it was placed in the waste system."

He appealed for help in identifying the mother "who could well be in difficulties and in dire need of medical attention".

He said: "We are, therefore, asking anyone who believes that they may have any information - no matter how unimportant they may believe it to be - to contact us immediately.

"They may recall noticing a female behaving strangely in the neighbourhood, or at work, or being absent for a time.

"We appeal to anyone who believes they are in possession of information not to assume that someone else will come forward.

"We would rather receive something twice than not at all."

Mr Todd said the mother could well have given birth without anyone knowing or realising that she was pregnant, or she may have been badly advised by family, friends or her partner.

"Whatever the circumstances, we appeal for her to come forward as she could be further endangering her welfare if she has not received the correct medical attention.

"Because of what has happened, she may be under stress - mentally and emotionally - so it is doubly important that we trace her as soon as possible."

A post-mortem examination which took place yesterday did not verify the cause of death and further tests are being carried out.

Elaine Newell, head of midwifery for the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, appealed directly to the baby's mother, asking her to come forward.

She said: "I am very concerned about your well-being and my immediate priority is to ensure that you receive any necessary midwifery and medical care.

"I appreciate that you must be feeling very confused, upset and afraid. Please be assured that I want to make sure you are safe and well.

"If you would like to speak to me directly you can contact me personally on 07775 800300 and I will talk to you and arrange for you to receive any necessary care."