Woman arrested after newborn baby found dead in woods near Southampton

Police have appealed for CCTV and dashcam footage

The baby was found on Thursday in woodland off Shore Road (Google)

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a newborn baby boy was found dead in woodland in Hampshire.

The woman was arrested as part of the investigation into the death and is currently in police custody.

The child was discovered close to Shore Road, in Hythe, near Southampton, just after 2pm on Thursday.

Detective chief inspector Liz Williams, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: “This is a difficult and complex investigation, and we have a dedicated team working hard to establish the exact circumstances of what took place.

“Our officers are carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the area, so, if you do have any concerns, then please speak to them.

“If you do have information that you think could help our enquiries, then please come forward and speak to us.”

Police previously appealed for the mother of the baby to come forward.

Detectives also asked for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from Shore Road or Frost Lane and the surrounding area to get in touch.

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting either Operation Verse or the reference 44200084127.

Press Association