Mother of newborn baby found dead in Leeds pub toilet identified, police say

Following an urgent appeal for the mother’s welfare, police said a woman believed to be the baby’s mother is being given ongoing support.

The mother of a newborn baby girl found dead in a pub toilet in Leeds has been identified, police have said.

Officers had issued an  urgent appeal  to locate the woman after the baby was found in a bathroom cubicle at the Three Horse Shoes in Oulton, just before 5pm on Sunday.

On Tuesday, West Yorkshire Police said they have identified a woman believed to be the mother.

The force said the mother is now receiving appropriate medical care and is being given ongoing support.

At a press conference in Leeds city centre on Monday, Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle said it is believed the baby was stillborn.

Addressing the mother directly, he said she or anyone else wasn’t going to be arrested.

“This is a safeguarding inquiry, this is not a criminal inquiry,” he said.

“This is a safeguarding inquiry to make sure she (the mother) is okay and to make sure we do everything to stop it happening to anyone else.”

Paramedics were called to the pub at about 4.45pm, but the baby was pronounced dead at the scene.

The pub said it would remain closed on Tuesday but reopen on Wednesday.