Human placenta and umbilical cord found at Preston Cemetery: Police launch appeal for mother to come forward

Police fear the mother and her baby may need urgent medical help

Preston Cemetary where a human placenta and umbilical cord were found. (Google Maps )

Police are appealing for a new mother to come forward, after a human placenta and umbilical cord were discovered at a cemetery in Lancashire.

A cemetery worker at found the organ at Preston Cemetery in New Hall Lane on Friday morning, shortly before 9:30am.

Tests on the remains have confirmed that they came from a human mother, and there are traces of both female and male DNA – suggesting the woman had a baby boy, according to Lancashire Constabulary.

Further examinations will be carried out to try to narrow down the identity of the mother, and police are talking to healthcare professional who could help provide information.

Chief Inspector Geoff Hurst said: “This is a significant inquiry and we are working extremely hard to try and establish exactly what has happened.

He added that inquiries are focusing on the basis that someone gave birth in the cemetery or elsewhere. He added it is vital the mother contacts the police as it is likely she and her young baby are in need of urgent medical and emotional support.

"We are not here to judge," explained Chief Inspector Hurts.

"This is about finding whoever has left these remains here and make sure they are safe. I can't stress how important it is for people to come forward with information. We may have an extremely vulnerable woman out there who is in desperate need of help and support."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 0287 of Friday September 26.