Baby girl whose body was found on Welsh shore may have been in water 'for a few weeks', police say

Published: 09:16 EDT, 1 October 2026 | Updated: 09:25 EDT, 1 October 2026 The body of a newborn baby girl found washed up on a seashore in North Wales may have been in the sea for several weeks, police revealed today.Officers launched a major inquiry after a walker out for a Sunday evening stroll found the deceased child along the shoreline, in Bangor, Gwynedd, at the weekend.Today North Wales Police revealed that she was a girl, and that while she has yet to be identified, the force has already received some calls giving potential names for the mother amid urgent efforts to trace her.Officers are understood to be keeping an open mind about where the baby entered the water.But it is feared that the body may have been swept with the tide into the Menai Strait, which divides the Island of Anglesey and mainland Wales, from elsewhere in Britain or Ireland.As a result, oceanography experts are being consulted about marine currents to try and understand where the baby may have entered the sea.'Initial indications are that she may have been in the water for up to a few weeks,' police said in an update today.Further tests were being carried out to find out more about the infant while police are also conducting house-to-house and CCTV inquiries. The baby girl's body was found on the shoreline of the Menai Strait, (pictured) in Bangor, North Wales on Sunday An aerial view of the Menai Strait, which separates the island of Anglesey from mainland North WalesGiving today's update, Superintendent Llinos Davies said: 'Following the tragic discovery of a baby’s body in Bangor on Sunday, a post-mortem examination has now been completed.'We now know that she was a little baby girl. 'We understand that the mother may be fearful of coming forward but we urge her to make contact with us. 'I'd like to reassure her that her welfare and safety is our utmost concern.'Anyone with concerns about a girl or a woman 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 or social ties, please contact us.'Please do the right thing to ensure this mother gets the health support she needs.'All names received will be treated with the utmost discretion and can be eliminated as the mother without delay.'I understand that this is a terribly sad incident for the community. I am grateful for the overwhelming support and assistance we have received so far.'In a message to the still-unknown mother, Fiona Giraud, director of midwifery and women’s services for the local Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said her wellbeing remained her priority.'Our immediate concern remains your health, safety and wellbeing,' she said.'You may feel you have nowhere to turn or that you cannot speak to anyone about what has happened. Please do not feel that you have to face this alone.'We don't yet know all the circumstances surrounding your baby's death. 'But what is important right now is that we find you, make sure you are safe, and ensure you receive any medical attention and support you may need.'I am asking you personally, please take the first step and contact us. There are people to help you.'Anyone with information can contact North Wales Police on 101, quoting Operation Melex, or directly through the force's Major Incident Public Portal, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.