Police and medical staff are appealing for the mother of a newborn baby to get in touch after an infant’s body was found washed up on a seashore in North Wales.

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.

So far police have not disclosed the sex, ethnicity or age of the baby, but a post-mortem is due to take place on Wednesday.

They believe the infant’s body may have been swept with the tide into the Menai Strait, the body of water which divides the Island of Anglesey and mainland North Wales, from elsewhere in Britain or even as far away as Ireland.

The baby’s body was spotted by the walker near Siliwen Road in the university city shortly before 5pm.

Speaking directly to the infant’s mother, Fiona Giraud, director of women’s services for Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board, said: ‘I want you to know that our immediate concern is for your health, safety and wellbeing. 

‘We recognise that you may be feeling frightened, overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next.

The baby’s body was found on the shoreline of the Menai Strait, (pictured) in Bangor, North Wales. The area has been taped off by police

Police pictured at the scene near Siliwen Road, Bangor, on Tuesday

An aerial view of the Menai Strait, which separates the island of Anglesey from mainland North Wales

‘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, to please get in touch with us. You can speak to a healthcare professional, approach a police officer or attend a police station. 

‘If you are watching or listening to this appeal, please know that we want to hear from you. Please take the first step and contact us. There are people to help you.’

Ms Giraud said that medical staff had ‘real concerns’ for the health of the mother. 

‘We recognise that she is likely to be extremely vulnerable,’ she added. ‘She may be fearful of seeking the support she needs through fear of identifying herself.’

Detective Sergeant Kelly Wynne, who is investigating for North Wales police, also urged other relatives who may be aware of the recent birth to contact them.

‘We are concerned the baby’s mother may not be in a position to reach out for support, so we are appealing directly to her, the father and those who may have knowledge, such as friends, family, neighbours or colleagues,’ she said.

‘If you have any 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 or social ties, please contact us.

‘We appreciate coming forward is difficult, but inaction is not an option. The mother desperately needs help. 

‘Anyone with information, we need you to do the right thing to ensure this mother gets the health support she needs.’

The officer said any names provided to them would be ‘treated with the utmost discretion’.

The shoreline where the baby was found is close to the route of the Wales Coast Path but is impassable at high tide. It also forms a popular but largely hidden walking route along the beach to nearby Bangor Pier.

The path is used by locals and students from Bangor University, which overlooks Ashley Fields, a green recreational area leading down to the Straits, parts of which remained taped off by police.

Locals today expressed their shock at hearing news of the grim discovery.

One said: ‘It is just dreadful. This is such a quiet spot. You’re in the city but you can’t hear it.

‘We knew something was up when the police taped off the road down to the water on Sunday evening. But it is such a shock to hear what they found.

‘The poor thing and its mother too. A lot of people walk along that bit of beach but you can only get through when the tide is not high.’

Police confirmed that the area coroner had been informed and officers were carrying out house-to-house and CCTV inquiries in surrounding streets. 

They also said volunteers from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency were involved in searching the area until Monday night.

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.