Detectives looking for a mother after human placenta was found near a park reveal picture of man they want to quiz
- The mother is believed to have given birth between June 17 and 21
Police have released a photo of a man they want to quiz, following the shocking discovery of a human placenta near a park.
Earlier in July, a 15-year-old boy found the placenta in Southampton as he walked to school, he immediately called the police – who are appealing for the mother to get in touch to let them know she is safe and her newborn baby survived.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said they believe the man in the photo has information to assist their enquiries.
The force added: ‘This man is believed to have been in the Dale Road/Holly Brook Park area on Saturday July 1 at around midday. If this is you, or you know who he is, we urge you to make contact with police as soon as possible.
‘We are also still keen to speak to anyone who has concerns for someone close to them who may have recently given birth, whether it be a friend, family member, co-worker or anyone within their local community.’
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary want to speak to this potential witness, as police continue to search for a mother and baby, after a human placenta was found in Southampton
The mother is believed to have given birth between June 17 and 21 in the Holly Brook Park area. Detective Chief Inspector Elizabeth Pirie said the police are ‘extremely concerned’ for her welfare.
Detective Chief Inspector Pirie added: ‘Our number one priority is the welfare of both the mother and child involved, and as such we need anyone with concerns for a girl or woman they know to make contact with us.
‘We recognise that the mother may be fearful of identifying herself and she needs your help to get the care she and her baby desperately need.
‘The trauma experienced by giving birth alone will continue to affect her unless she receives the appropriate support as soon as possible, even if she believes she is ok.
‘If you have information regarding a woman or girl you think may have been pregnant, or whose behaviour has been unusual or out of character over the past few months, including withdrawing from friends, family and social ties, please forward their name to any of the contacts below.
‘All names will be treated with the upmost discretion and can easily be discounted from enquiries without delay, if they are not the mother we are seeking.
‘The mother and child desperately need help. Please help us to help them.’
Anyone with information should call 101, quoting reference Op Holdo/44230246419.
You can also call Crimestoppers to give information 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make contact with your local hospital, GP or walk-in centre.
Jamie Clarke told how he reeled back in horror on his way to school when he stumbled on human placenta on a path near his local park, on July 1.
Earlier in July, a 15-year-old boy found the placenta in Southampton as he walked to school, he immediately called the police
He was praised by his proud mum for raising the alarm, she said: ‘You don’t get many 15-year-olds that would do that and I like to think what he did will help the mother.’
Jamie, who was with two schoolmates, found the afterbirth on a footpath off Dale Road, near Holly Brook Park.
He said: ‘I was going down the path to meet my mate.
‘We saw a football by the bush and went to get it and when we were coming back to the road, that’s when I saw it.
‘At first I thought it was a bit of an animal but when we saw it, it didn’t look like an animal. It just didn’t look like it, it was too big so we decided to call the police.’
Officers arrived at the scene in under ten minutes and cordoned off the area.
His mum, Kerry Metcalf, 39, said: ‘He wasn’t scared and I’m very proud of him and hope that this will help the mother get the help that she needs.
‘These were three lads who didn’t really know what it was but did the right thing.’
She added: ‘As a mother you think there is a mother out there who did that because she didn’t have the help she needed. It’s heartbreaking.’
Police using drones and tracker dogs launched a desperate search for the mother.
The fear is she slipped into the park to secretly give birth and then staggered off.
Police using drones and tracker dogs launched a desperate search for the mother
There was no sign of the baby so it’s not known if the infant was born alive or dead, and it’s not known if the woman had anyone else with her who might have assisted with the birth.
Police officers, who went door-to-door, say they are following ‘a number of lines of enquiry’ in the area.
Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy said at the time: ‘While we are yet to establish exactly what has happened here, we are extremely concerned for the welfare of the person who may have given birth.
‘I am making a direct appeal for 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, it is important that you get in touch with us.
‘We want to speak with anyone who has concerns about someone who has recently been pregnant, that you think may have been pregnant or may have given birth recently without support.
‘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 enquiries in the Holly Brook Park area today and you will see an increased presence.
‘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.’
One local woman resident said: ‘This is dreadful. I can’t imagine what the woman must be going through.
‘I feel really sorry for her. I wonder what she must be going through.’
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 44230246419.
Holly Brook Park, near Shirley Warren, is close to Spire Southampton Hospital, a private hospital with a women’s health department.
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