Update after earlier appeal to identify parents following discovery of foetal remains
Friday, August 14, 2026
We have an update to bring you after we appealed to you earlier this week following a sad discovery in the Stonyhurst area.
You may remember that we asked for your help after some foetal remains were discovered by the river, and that we were making enquiries to trace the mother, and any potential witnesses.
We can now let you know that both parents have come forward following the appeal and have been spoken to by our officers.
We need to make it really clear that after speaking to them and conducting further enquiries, we are satisfied that there has been no crime committed, and our investigation has been brought to a close.
DCI Jill Vescovi, of our Force Major Investigation Team said: “First and foremost, I want to take a moment to recognise the parents, who have been extremely brave in coming forward to us this week. They have been through something incredibly distressing and are being offered the appropriate support.
“I and my team appreciate the assistance from the public from our initial request, and we understand this will have been a talking point in the community, so it was important to bring you this update today.
“What I now need to ask though, is that you respect the parents, their distress, and the fact that no crime has taken place. Please now allow them to lay their baby to rest appropriately, with the knowledge that we have conducted a thorough investigation, and avoid speculating online, or between yourselves.
“To those who shared the appeal or provided information – thank you. Your support is always appreciated, and because of that support, we have been able to determine the facts and ensure that the baby has an appropriate goodbye.”
