Newborn baby girl found dead on Welsh shoreline named 'Ceri' as desperate hunt for her mother continues

Published 15 October 2026, 10:37

• Investigators named the infant after her body was found on the Bangor shoreline on 27 September
• Specialists await test results that could crack the case open, says Superintendent Llinos Davies
• 'This is not a conversation you need to be afraid of,' a health official told the unknown mother

A newborn baby girl found dead on the Bangor shoreline on 27 September has been named Ceri by investigators, as North Wales Police continue their search for her mother under Operation Melex.

Superintendent Llinos Davies said officers remain determined to find answers.

"All possible lines of enquiry are being followed, and we are awaiting results from several specialist tests, which we hope may provide us with new avenues to explore," she said.

Work is ongoing with experts across the country to establish what happened to the baby and who her parents are.

Davies made a direct appeal to dog walkers and residents who regularly walked in the Ashley Fields and Siliwen Road areas of Bangor between 30 August and 27 September to come forward.

Anyone with photos or videos taken along the Menai Straits shoreline in Siliwen during that same period is asked to upload them to the Major Incident Public Portal.

"Any image could be relevant to our investigation," Davies said.

"Even if you think it might be insignificant, it will be reviewed to ascertain whether it is of value to our enquiries."

Davies also broadened the appeal to anyone who has had concerns about a woman or girl in recent months.

"We are not asking anyone to make assumptions or accusations," she said.

"Something that appears insignificant or has an entirely innocent explanation may nevertheless be crucial to finding the truth for Baby Ceri."

A dedicated 24-hour phone line — 07974 241223 — has been set up exclusively for Baby Ceri's mother to contact a trained specialist by call or text, in complete confidence.

"We understand that you may be scared to come forward, but we urge you to contact us," Davies said.

"Your welfare remains our utmost concern."

Fiona Giraud, Director of Midwifery and Women's Services for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, addressed the unknown mother directly.

"You may not have felt confident to come forward yet, but please know that we have specialists ready to support you, no matter what the circumstances are," she said.

Giraud offered a clear picture of what the mother can expect.

"When you call, you will speak directly to a trained specialist whose role is simply to listen and help," she said.

"This is not a conversation you need to be afraid of. You will be treated with compassion, dignity and respect."

For those who find calling too difficult, Davies suggested another route: "Please consider telling somebody you trust — a friend, family member, neighbour, healthcare professional, or anyone who can help you reach out."

The public can also contact police on 101 quoting Operation Melex, submit material via the Major Incident Public Portal, call Crimestoppers anonymously, or contact the health board's People's Enquiry and Resolution Service between Monday and Friday, 10am to 4pm, on 03000 851 234.