A manhunt is underway as West Midlands Police search for the mother of a newborn baby girl whose body was discovered in a pile of rubbish at a waste management warehouse in Rowley Regis. The infant was found shortly before midday on Thursday, June 25, 2026, prompting a major investigation.
Forensic Examinations Underway
Detectives from the Public Protection Unit are leading the inquiry. Forensic examinations are being conducted to determine the baby's identity and cause of death. Detective Chief Inspector Kylie Westlake stated that locating the mother is the force's absolute priority.
"While we don't yet know what has happened, what we do know is that there must be a mother out there who is in real need of help − and she is our absolute priority at the moment," DCI Westlake said. "We have been checking CCTV and speaking to hospitals, but it may be that the mother or someone who knows who she is sees this appeal."
Police Appeal for Mother to Come Forward
Officers are increasingly concerned for the mother's welfare and are urging her to contact them. DCI Westlake added: "I really want to speak to her to make sure she's OK, and to ensure that she can get the help that she urgently needs."
A police spokesperson said: "You may be a mother, father, friend, teacher or lecturer who has spotted a loved-one who has behaved differently recently. We need anyone who can help us find the mother to come forward so we can offer her support from our specialist staff."
Waste Transported Unknowingly
West Midlands Police believe the rubbish containing the baby was unknowingly transported by a private waste operator to the Rowley Regis site. The operator works across the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and West Mercia areas. Police have stressed that the business is not connected to the death.
"At this stage we believe the baby was unknowingly transported on Wednesday," a police spokesperson said. "We understand the operator works across the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and West Mercia areas. We're not connecting the business to the sad death."
Public Asked to Help Identify Mother and Baby
Police have set up a Major Incident Public Portal for people to submit information directly. They are appealing for anyone who can help identify the baby or her mother to come forward. "It may be you live near a baby, and their mother, who have unexpectedly not been seen for a number of days," DCI Westlake added.
Officers continue to work around the clock to trace the mother, emphasizing that all information will be treated sensitively. The investigation remains ongoing as forensic results are awaited.
