Body of 'six-month-old boy' discovered at Scunthorpe recycling plant

The body of a baby was found today in waste being sorted at a recycling plant.

Police have appealed for help in identifying the child's mother who they believe is vulnerable and in need of medical treatment.

The child, thought to be a six-month-old boy, was found by staff at the Bell Waste Control site in North Lincolnshire.

A Humberside Police spokesman said: "We have launched an investigation into the death of a baby following the discovery of a body at a waste recycling plant in Scunthorpe.

"At this time, very little is known in terms of the circumstances which led to the baby seemingly being discarded but we are concerned that the baby's parents, in particular his mother, may need help and support following the loss of her child and as such she may be very vulnerable at this time.

"We are urging anyone who can help identify the parents of this baby or the parents themselves to come forward in order for us to make sure they get any support or medical treatment that may be required."

Police hope a post mortem will provide more clues as to how the baby died.

Detective Sergeant Karen Philpott said the recycling site had been secured and numerous officers were working on the investigation.

She added: "At this time we can't confirm many details but we are making further inquiries in a bid to try and establish what has happened."

She added: "I would urge anybody out there, any members of her family, who know her identity to contact us at the family protection team."

Nessa Thompson, managing director of the neighbouring Thompson Recycling Group, also on Winterton Road, told the Scunthorpe Telegraph: "For the people who found it, it is terrible.

"We are very close knit and we heard what had happened through the drivers.

"It is absolutely appalling. I cannot think of anything worse."

PA