April 12, 2021- 1: 22 p.m
Police have arrested a 21-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man after a newborn baby boy was found dead in a supermarket car park.
Officers made the tragic discovery at Morrisons in Bilston, in the West Midlands, after being alerted by a member of the public on Sunday morning.
A search was launched to track down the mother, who was found later that evening and taken to hospital.
On Monday, West Midlands Police revealed a man and woman had been arrested in connection with the baby’s death.
The pair remain in police custody being quizzed by detectives, while a post-mortem will be carried out on the boy, who was not believed to be full-term.
The force said it is now investigating the “truly tragic” circumstances in which the baby died.
Det Insp Tim Draper, from West Midlands Police’s public protection unit, said: “This was a devastating discovery which I know has shocked and saddened many people.
“I understand this is an emotive event, however I’d ask people not to speculate on the circumstances of this tragedy, it’s unhelpful to our investigation which we are working through with dignity and care.”
Det Insp Jim Edmonds said at the time of the discovery: “This is a truly tragic discovery and we’ve been treating the scene and the baby with the utmost care and dignity.
“While we don’t yet know what has happened, what we do know is that there must be a mother out there who is in real need of help − and she is my absolute priority at the moment.
“We have been checking CCTV and speaking to hospitals, but it may be that the mother or someone who knows who she is sees this appeal.
“I really want to speak to her to make sure she’s OK, and to ensure that she can get the help that she urgently needs
