Southampton: police search for two men after placenta find

Forensic examination has confirmed that the placenta is human

The placenta was found in a wooded area at Holly Brook
Author: Jason BeckPublished 30th Jun 2023

Police investigating the discovery of a human placenta near a hospital in Southampton have released images of two men they want to talk to.

Officers believe they may have vital information after the placenta was found in Holly Brook off Dale Road on 21 June.

Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy said: "We continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the discovery of the placenta and now have images of these two men who we would like to speak to as soon as possible.

"We would like to stress that they are not under any suspicion or in any trouble, but we believe they may have vital information to assist our enquiries.

"We appreciate the image of the second man is very unclear, however it’s the best we have available at this time – if you believe this could be you then please get in touch.

"Both men are believed to have been in the area on Saturday 17 June.

"The first man is believed to have been on Dale Road and the second man was walking up the Dale Road hill towards Tremona Road and the hospital.

"We are also keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of Dale Road between 6am on Saturday 17 June and 9am on Wednesday 21 June, including anyone with dash cam footage along the Dale Road area during those times.

"If you saw anything that you think we should know, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please submit information to us via 101 or online at our public information portal.

"Our priority remains locating the mother who has recently given birth to ensure that she gets any medical treatment that she and her baby need.

"I still urge her to make contact with a medical professional as soon as possible, whether that be a GP, by attending a hospital or walk-in centre, or by speaking to any other healthcare workers.

"I would also like to reiterate, if you have concerns for someone you know or suspect has been recently pregnant or given birth, please contact us."

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