Search goes on today for body of baby

The search will continue today at Cavan town dump for the body of a stillborn infant.

The search will continue today at Cavan town dump for the body of a stillborn infant.

Yesterday a preliminary search began of the landfill site two miles outside Cavan town. The area to be searched measures about 100 metres by 50 metres.

Gardai were told that an 18-year-old woman had given birth about three weeks ago.

It is believed that she told gardai that she had concealed her pregnancy until the baby was born. She gave birth in a shower at home, but the baby was born dead. She placed the body in a bag and placed it in a bin, the contents of which were taken to the town dump. Later she is thought to have confided in her parents.

READ MORE

Yesterday, gardai and environmental health workers began a preliminary search of the dump, to isolate the area where recent consignments were received.

In addition, they sought to establish what the baby was wrapped in, and to determine what protective clothing is required when an exhaustive search begins, probably tomorrow.

Supt John O'Connor of Cavan town, who is leading the search, said yesterday evening that it would resume at first light today, and continue during daylight. He said he did not wish to comment further on what was a sensitive case.