Two years after an abandoned baby was left at the door of a Leeds vicarage the priest involved has made a further appeal for the mother to come forward.
The Revd Paul Crabb, the Rector of St Peter’s Bramley, found the new born baby boy outside his vicarage in November 2016. The child, which was wrapped in a towel and a carrier bag from Tesco, was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.
A two year investigation by police has failed to identify the mother or discover why he was abandoned, and last week police announced that they had run out of leads to follow.
Paul Crabb said, that despite the passage of time, he still wants to pass on a message to the baby’s mother.
“Two years after the death of your baby we recognise that this is not over for you, not something you can simply forget as if it never happened. This baby still matters to you and you and he matter to us too.
“Please be assured that we're always ready and waiting to help you in any way that we can - maybe just by offering a listening ear or a decent cup of tea or coffee. Get in touch when you're ready.”
In the message Paul leaves his phone number and email address.
Police said the baby's death is not being treated as suspicious and his body is still being retained while officers liaise with the Coroner’s Office.
Detective Superintendent Nicola Bryar of West Yorkshire Police said, “It is hoped his mother may still come forward so the baby's body can be released for a funeral and she can have the chance to say goodbye properly.
“Sadly we have now explored and exhausted all the available lines of enquiry without being able to identify the mother of this baby boy.
“Throughout this investigation, her welfare has remained our main concern. The immediate concerns we had for her health have lessened with the passage of time but we are still keen to trace her and make sure she has the help and support she needs after what has clearly been a traumatic experience.”
“Our discussions with the Coroner’s Office will include when her son’s body can be released for a funeral. That is something we would like her to be able to lead the arrangements for and to have the chance to say goodbye properly.