Garda renews its appeal for dead baby's mother

An intensive Garda investigation is continuing in the Inishowen area of north Donegal, following the discovery of the body of…

An intensive Garda investigation is continuing in the Inishowen area of north Donegal, following the discovery of the body of a new-born baby last Friday afternoon.

The Garda has renewed its appeal for baby's mother to come forward. Insp. Greg Sullivan said gardai would be "compassionate and sensitive".

"We appreciate that she may be in a state of trauma but our concern is for her well-being," he said. "She may be in need of urgent medical attention and counselling. We will guarantee that all necessary services will be provided for her."

The body of the prematurely-born boy was found in a shallow grave in boglands in the townland of Glassalts, three miles from the village of Carndonagh, by a local man who noticed that earth had been disturbed. The body is thought to have been in the grave for a number of days.

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Gardai are following up local reports that people were seen acting suspiciously in the area in the days before the body was unearthed. There were unconfirmed reports that someone was seen digging or burying something there last week. Officers have contacted hospitals, doctors, and women's groups in the area in an attempt to find the mother.

The body was examined by the State Pathologist, Dr John Harbison, before being taken to Letterkenny General Hospital. Further tests are to be carried out.

Gardai have asked anyone with information to contact them at Buncrana, tel: 077-61555.