IPCC investigate abandoned baby death as police search for mother
THE Independent Police Complaints Commission has launched an investigation into why it took 45 minutes for officers to rush an abandoned baby to hospital.
The baby boy was found in a bag by members of the Makki Masjid, in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent at 10.40am on Saturday 6 March. Police officers raced to the scene, but it took 45 minutes for the baby to be taken to University Hospital North Staffordshire where he died.
A post mortem is expected to be carried out today. Detectives are hoping the results will help ascertain the ethnicity of the baby.
Now two separate investigations have been launched – one by Staffordshire police to trace the baby’s mother, and another by the IPCC into the conduct of the police officers at the scene.
IPCC Commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne said, “The death of any baby is a tragedy, and this case is deeply saddening. It is important that the IPCC independently investigates the initial response by Staffordshire Police to ascertain the actions taken by police to ensure that all correct procedures were followed.”
Staffordshire Police said they were eager to trace the baby’s mother.
DCI Phil Bladen who is leading the search said “Finding the baby’s mother and giving her the help and support she undoubtedly needs is our absolute priority and I urge anyone with any information to come forward.
“We have everything in place ready to help her, I am sure she is feeling very upset, distressed and frightened. I just need her to contact us.”
Police said the baby boy was wrapped in a carrier bag and two items of clothing – one of which was a white ‘t’-shirt. The bundle included two £10 notes and a note which said “Please help bury him” and an Arabic word for thank you.
Police said they had already spoken to one witness who saw a bundle outside the Mosque early Saturday morning but did not examine it.
They are appealing for anyone else who has any information to contact them.
