‘No foul play involved’ in the death of baby girl found on beach

Gardaí investigating the discovery of a baby’s body in Dublin have ruled out foul play.

The baby girl, who was found on Bell’s Beach near Balbriggan, was carried to full-term but died sometime before delivery, her post-mortem confirmed.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Garda Inspector Brian Downey appealed to the baby’s mother to seek help; insisting she’s not in trouble, but that medical practitioners would like to make sure she’s okay.

“We are imploring anyone who knows her to come forward, to contact the Gardai, or Tusla or a GP,” he said, “She is not in trouble. Our only concern is for the health, safety, and welfare of the mother.”

He added, “We don’t need to speak to her, we just need to know that she is okay; that she’s safe and getting the medical attention she requires.”

‘It’s heartbreaking’

Also speaking on the Morning Ireland radio programme, Dr Rhona Mahony, Master of the National Maternity Hospital, said her team will gladly speak to the mother in confidence. She can call them for advice, without having to give her name or whereabouts.

“We are concerned for her as a person. We understand she is going through a terribly difficult time. I imagine she is very confused, distressed and frightened. She may feel overwhelmed.

Our primary concern is caring for her,” she continued. “There’s no question of anyone ‘giving out’ to her. We are concerned for her physical health, her mental health.

“It is heartbreaking; we know that women face difficult circumstances sometimes. Difficult things happen in life, we understand that. Our first thought is her welfare.”

Baby Belle

Gardaí have named the baby girl Belle; not only because she was found on Bell’s Beach, but also because Belle means ‘beautiful’ in French.

If anyone has information, they can contact the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111; Tusla on 0818 776 315; or the National Maternity Hospital on (01) 637 3100. 

Photo: Pixabay