POLICE are concerned for the health of a mother after a deceased human foetus was found on heathland near Poole.

At 3.50pm on Thursday (March 2), Dorset Police received a report of the tragic find on Canford Heath, near Culliford Crescent.

Chief Inspector Gavin House said: “This is a very sad discovery and our absolute priority now is to locate the mother of the child to ensure she receives the appropriate care.

“I would also ask anyone who witnessed anything in the area of Canford Heath on Thursday, or from anyone with any information to help us find and support the mother.”

Dr Paul Johnson, Chief Medical Officer with NHS Dorset, added: “I am appealing directly to her to please contact medical services or the police as soon as possible so that we can ensure she is safe.

“I would also appeal to anyone who may have concerns about a family member, loved one, or friend to make contact.”

In the event of a medical emergency please call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 02:495. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.