A suspicious item found this afternoon (Friday 28 March 2025) at Werneth Park, Oldham has been confirmed to be a human placenta by medical professionals.
- We have not yet identified the circumstances surrounding this incident or who the placenta belongs to.
- The scene will remain in place likely until tomorrow afternoon as searches and enquiries continue.
- We are treating this as a welfare investigation, as mum and baby could be in need of medical attention, and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
We were called by a member of the public at around 2.40pm. Officers immediately deployed to the park and a scene was commenced, which remains in place, and will overnight whilst searches continue.
There is no risk to the wider community, however the focus of our efforts is now on understanding the circumstances of how the placenta came to be in this location, and that no-one has come to any harm.
Detective Inspector Andy Day of the Oldham district said, “Incidents of this nature are extremely rare but of course will cause concern, and we share that concern.
“I want to make it clear that at this stage our investigation is not a criminal one, but one into the welfare of a mum and baby.
“Medical experts have advised us that it is likely the birth has occurred in the last 24 hours, and it’s possible that mum or baby are, or could be, in need of medical attention.
“We have several enquiries underway to try and identify who the placenta belongs to, including searching various UK databases and liaising with a number of partner agencies.
“I’m appealing to anyone who either knows the identity of mum or baby, or indeed mum herself, to come forward to us so we can ensure they are doing okay. I’d also appeal for anyone who has seen anything around the Werneth Park area over the last 24 hours they think might assist our enquiries to reach out.
“Officers will remain in the area for the coming hours and are there to listen to any concerns from the community. We appreciate the cooperation of those living locally, as we understand the impact of closing public spaces there to be enjoyed on a weekend.”
Information can be passed to us by calling 0161 856 8906 or 101, quoting log 1860 of 28/03/25.
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