Investigation launched after foetus found by river

Police have launched an investigation after a foetus was discovered near a river.

Officers were called to a report of the discovery beneath Hodder Bridge on Whalley Road in Stonyhurst at 15:13 BST on Tuesday.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "Our officers were flagged down by a member of the public who had found what they thought to be a placenta inside a bag."

The force said it was later realised the remains found in a wooded area on the Mitton side of the river under the Hodder Bridge on Whalley Road in Stonyhurst, Clitheroe were actually a foetus.

A force spokesman added: "At this time, we do not believe the foetus to be full term, but enquiries to determine the exact point of gestation are ongoing.

"We also have enquiries ongoing to identify the mother."

They added that officers were "particularly keen to speak to a man who was in the area with two children on Tuesday between 1pm and 3pm who may be a witness to our enquiries".

Det Ch Insp Jill Vescovi added: "What we do know is that it is really important for us to find the mother of this baby. We are concerned about her health, and her welfare, and urgently need to identify her and speak to her.

"I know that she must have been through something horrific, and she may be frightened about coming forward. We need to speak to her so that we can find out what happened, and so that we are able to give her baby the goodbye they deserve.

"I want to make a direct appeal to her today to ask her to please come forward and speak to us, or someone she trusts who will make a report.

"We want to make sure you are safe and that you have had any relevant treatment you may need."

Police have asked anyone who was in the area between Sunday and 15:00 BST on Tuesday and who witnessed anything unusual to contact them.

They have also appealed for dashcam footage from vehicles travelling over the bridge.

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