A newborn baby boy found dead in a private garden could have been dumped by someone who scaled a wall, a neighbour claims.
Police have launched an urgent search for the infant's mother after the child's body was discovered by a member of the public in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
The death is being treated as unexplained, and it has left residents of Victoria Quadrant stunned.
The newborn was discovered shortly before 9am on Saturday in a large shared back garden that is behind a large three-storey building that has a high stone wall.
Locals said the gate to the garden is padlocked and they wondered if someone climbed over the wall to dump the baby.
Have you been affected by this story? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk.
A woman in her early 20s told the Sun: "Whoever dumped the baby must have been very determined.
"They’d have had to climb over a wall to get into the garden because that’s the only way in, other than through mine or my neighbour’s flats.”
Neither she nor her neighbours know the identity of the mother, she said.
The woman added: "It certainly isn’t my neighbour’s baby because she hasn’t got one and I haven’t seen anyone pregnant around here for 18 months. It is a complete mystery.”
A senior officer from Avon and Somerset Police said the force is "extremely concerned" about the welfare of the baby's mum and officers "need to trace her as soon as possible".
Police have appealed to residents to contact them if they know who the mother is or suspected a woman was "heavily pregnant" but did not tell others about the pregnancy.
The force said the woman's behaviour may have changed in the past 24 hours.
North Somerset Children’s Services made a direct appeal to the newborn's mum, saying it has specially trained professionals who can support her and make sure she gets the medical attention she needs.
DCI Mike Buck said: “This is a very sad and distressing incident.
"We’re extremely concerned for the welfare of the mother of this child and need to trace her as soon as possible.
"We’re treating the baby’s death as unexplained at this time.
“I’m specifically appealing to people in Weston-super-Mare.
"Have you suspected somebody you know is heavily pregnant, but may not have been willing to disclose this?
"That person might have a connection with Victoria Quadrant?
"Their behaviour might have changed in the last 24 hours?
"You can contact us in complete confidence.
"Our priority right now is to find the mother of this child and support her, so please do the right thing.”
Amanda Braund, of North Somerset Children’s Services, said: “I want to make a direct appeal to the mother.
"I can’t imagine what you’re going through but we want to help you.
"We have specially trained professionals who can support you and make sure you get the medical attention you need.
"Please get in touch with the police by calling 999 or your nearest hospital.”
People with other information are asked to call 101 and give the reference number 5220278654.
