Newborn baby’s body discovered in canal as police seal off nature reserve

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A newborn baby's body has been found in a canal as police launch an urgent appeal to find his mother.

A nature reserve in Walsall, west Midlands, was sealed off after the tragic discovery just after 1pm on Thursday.

Detective Inspector Wes Martin from West Midlands Police CID said: "This is a tragic investigation and our priority is to now find the baby boy's mum to make sure she is OK.

"She may be in need of urgent medical attention and she is our absolute priority at the moment.

"We have been speaking to members of the public and would urge anyone with information to get in touch."

The force urged the public not to speculate on the "distressing" incident, saying: "It hinders our investigation and is upsetting for those involved."

Emergency services were called to Rough Wood Country Park in Willenhall, Birmingham Mail reports.

All entrances have been sealed off, with witnesses reporting a large police presence in Bentley Lane.

A video shows multiple police vehicles, including an incident support unit, in attendance.

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West Midlands Ambulance Service sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a critical care paramedic to the scene but sadly nothing could be done to save the child, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

A spokesman said: “We were called by police at 1.14pm to Rough Wood Country Park, Willenhall.

"We sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a critical care paramedic to the scene.”

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Officers are examining the scene and speaking to potential witnesses, with anyone who has any information urged to come forward as soon as possible.

Nearby Willenhall E-ACT Academy sent out an alert to parents ahead of the school-run to say that due to a 'police incident'.

Students were unable to leave via the Bentley Lane gate and there would be "no access to the canal area", it said.

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West Midlands Police said in a statement: "Please don’t speculate on the circumstances of this distressing incident, it hinders our investigation and is upsetting for those involved.

"If you have information please contact us via live chat on our website or call us on 101, quoting log number 1963 of 20 May."

  • Police
  • Family

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