Police release image of person they would urgently like to speak to in connection with discovery of human placenta in Southampton

Officers investigating the discovery of a human placenta in Southampton would like to urgently speak to any witnesses, as they release an image of a person they believe may have vital information.

We were called to the Holly Brook Park area at 8.47am on Wednesday (21 June), following the discovery of a placenta by members of the public. Forensic examination has since confirmed that the placenta is human.

Southampton Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy said: “We continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the discovery of the placenta and now have this image of someone who we would like to speak to as soon as possible. We would like to stress that this person is not under any suspicion or in any trouble, but we believe they may have vital information to assist our enquiries. We appreciate the image is very unclear, however it’s the best we have available at this time – if you believe this could be you then please get in touch.

“The man is believed to have been in the area on Saturday 17 June and was seen walking up the Dale Road hill towards Tremona Road and the hospital.

“We are also keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of Dale Road between 6am on Saturday 17 June and 9am on Wednesday 21 June, including anyone with dash cam footage along the Dale Road area during those times.

“If you saw anything that you think we should know, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please submit information to us via 101 or online at our Public Information Portal.

“The location has now reopened to the public and we would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding as we have carried out time-critical enquiries in the area.

“Our priority remains locating the mother who has recently given birth to ensure that she gets any medical treatment that she and her baby need.

“I still urge her to make contact with a medical professional as soon as possible, whether that be a GP, by attending a hospital or walk-in centre, or by speaking to any other healthcare workers.

“I would also like to reiterate, if you have concerns for someone you know or suspect has been recently pregnant or given birth, please contact us.”

Were you in the area between 6am on Saturday 17 June and 9am on Wednesday 21 June? Were you driving through the area and have dash cam footage that may have captured something?

Anyone with information can call 101, quoting Operation Holdo or the reference number 44230246419.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or you can submit information through our online portal by going to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC23W03-PO1