A human placenta has today been found in a busy Manchester park.
The shocking discovery was made by a member of the public this afternoon in Oldham, Greater Manchester, who reported finding a ‘suspicious item’.
Greater Manchester Police were called to the scene of the startling discovery in Wernerth Park at around 2.40pm.
Medical reports later confirmed the ‘suspicious’ finding was indeed a human placenta.
It is thought that the baby was born in the last 24 hours, with police now launching an urgent appeal to find the mother and newborn baby.
An investigation has too begun.
Detective Inspector Andy Day of the Oldham district said in a statement: ‘Incidents of this nature are extremely rare but of course will cause concern, and we share that concern.
‘I want to make it clear that at this stage our investigation is not a criminal one, but one into the welfare of a mum and baby.
‘Medical experts have advised us that it is likely the birth has occurred in the last 24 hours, and it’s possible that mum or baby are, or could be, in need of medical attention.
A human placenta was discovered in a busy Manchester park this afternoon by a shocked member of the public
Police arrived at Wernerth Park, Oldham, and later confirmed the ‘suspicious’ item was a human placenta
Wernerth Park remains cordoned off as police continue their investigations into the discovery
‘We have several enquiries underway to try and identify who the placenta belongs to, including searching various UK databases and liaising with a number of partner agencies.
‘I’m appealing to anyone who either knows the identity of mum or baby, or indeed mum herself, to come forward to us so we can ensure they are doing okay. I’d also appeal for anyone who has seen anything around the Werneth Park area over the last 24 hours they think might assist our enquiries to reach out.
‘Officers will remain in the area for the coming hours and are there to listen to any concerns from the community. We appreciate the cooperation of those living locally, as we understand the impact of closing public spaces there to be enjoyed on a weekend.’
Wernerth Park, which is around seven miles north of central Manchester, remains cordoned off as police continue their investigation.
