Death of newborn baby found in garden being treated as potential homicide, police say

Officer says investigation has seen ‘significant developments’ over weekend

Avon and Somerset Police have arrested a man and woman in connection with the death (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The death of a newborn baby discovered in a garden in Somerset over the weekend is being treated as a potential homicide, police have said.

The body of the infant, who has not been named, was found at a property in Weston-super-Mare on Saturday, with officers initially treating the death as unexplained.

Avon and Somerset Police said a man and woman had been arrested in connection with the incident and remained in custody.

“Due to significant developments in this investigation, I can confirm we're now treating the baby's death as a potential homicide,” Detective Chief Inspector James Riccio, who is leading the investigation, said on Monday.

“A man and a woman have been arrested and they are in custody for questioning.”

He added that a forensic post-mortem examination would be held later this week but the force was not anticipating “any conclusive results” for some time.

“I know this development will cause concern in the local community, particularly in light of the tragic circumstances, but I would stress that while this is being treated as a potential homicide, we are keeping an open mind and will always be led by the evidence,” the DCI said.

On Saturday, police said that a woman who was believed to be the mother of the baby was found and taken to hospital where she received “expert medical attention”.

Mr Riccio also praised the local community in Weston-super-Mare on Monday for their “wholly supportive response” since the investigation was launched.

“Our neighbourhood team will be carrying out additional reassurance patrols of the affected area, so please stop an officer and speak to them if you have any worries or questions. We are here to help,” he said.

The force has urged anyone who has information which could help the investigation to contact them on 101, quoting the reference number 5220278654.

Additional reporting by PA