Body of newborn baby found in Somerset garden

Detectives ‘extremely concerned’ for mother as infant found in Weston-super-Mare

Avon and Somerset Police, investigate a multiple fatal collision near Junction 25 on the M5 motorway on November 6, 2011 in Taunton, England. The Avon and Somerset Police say they believe they have located the mother of an infant found dead in a private garden on Saturday, 13 December, 2020. (Getty Images)

Police in Somerset believe they have located the mother of a newborn baby found dead in a garden on Saturday morning. 

Officers were called at around 8.50am on Saturday after a member of the public found the body of an infant in a garden on Victoria Quadrant, Weston-super-Mare, Avon and Somerset Police said.

The force said it was currently treating the baby's death as unexplained, and asked the public for any relevant information as it was “extremely concerned” for the mother's welfare.

"Earlier today we issued an appeal to locate the mother of a newborn baby, whose body was found in a private garden," Detective Chief Inspector Mike Buck said in a statement issued late Saturday evening.

“During the course of our enquiries, information has been received which has helped us locate who we believe is the baby's mother,” he said.

The mother was taken immediately to hospital, where she will receive medical attention and professional support, DCI Buck said. 

He added: "I'd like to thank the entire Weston-super-Mare community for their help and support during what's been a difficult day for all involved."