‘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’
A human placenta has been found in a public park in Oldham, police said on Friday night.
Greater Manchester Police said medics have advised a birth occurred within the last 24 hours, and it’s possible mum or baby could be in need of medical attention. An urgent appeal has now been issued.
Detectives now want to hear from anyone who has been in Werneth Park on Friday who may have any information. Searches of the park, meanwhile, will take place overnight, said police.
Detective Inspector Andy Day, of Oldham CID, said: “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.”
As reported earlier, the park in Oldham was cordoned off by police on Friday afternoon after a member of the public raised the alarm.
Police said suspected remains had been found, but couldn’t offer any further details until a medical examination.
But in an updated statement, GMP said: “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 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.”
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Detective Inspector Day said: “Incidents of this nature are extremely rare but of course will cause concern, and we share that concern.
“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.”