Newborn Baby's Body Found In Garden, 2 People Arrested

A man and a woman have been taken into custody after a newborn was found dead in a garden in England.

Police arrived at the private garden in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, on Saturday morning after receiving information that a baby was found unconscious in the property. The authorities pronounced the baby dead and sent the body for an autopsy.

Police initially sought help from the public to find the baby's mother, whom they believe could be in danger.

"This is a very sad and distressing incident. We're extremely concerned for the welfare of the mother of this child and need to trace her as soon as possible. We're treating the baby's death as unexplained at this time," police officer Mike Buck said Saturday morning, local daily Evening Standard reported.

The child's mother was traced the same evening.

"Earlier today we issued an appeal to locate the mother of a newborn baby, whose body was found in a private garden in Weston-super-Mare on Saturday morning. During the course of our enquiries, information has been received which has helped us locate who we believe is the baby's mother," Buck said, Daily Record reported.

"This woman has been taken immediately to hospital where she'll receive the expert medical attention and professional support she needs. I'd like to thank the entire Weston-super-Mare community for their help and support during what's been a difficult day for all involved," he added.

A senior investigating officer confirmed that two people have been taken into custody in connection with the incident.

"Due to significant developments in this investigation, I can confirm we're now treating the baby's death as a potential homicide. A man and a woman have been arrested and they are in custody for questioning," officer James Riccio said, BBC reported.

"I know this development will cause concern in the local community, particularly in light of the tragic circumstances, but I would stress that while this is being treated as a potential homicide, we are keeping an open mind and will always be led by the evidence," Riccio added.

It is not known how the two accused are related to the newborn or if the arrested woman is the child's mother.