Baby's body found by dog walker

The body of a baby has been found by a dog walker. The baby is believed to be aged around two months old, but the sex is not yet known. A dog walker found the body in a culvert off Carr Lane, in Kirkham, Lancashire, at around 2pm on Saturday. Police have launched an investigation and the death is currently being treated as unexplained. A post-mortem examination will be carried out later to try to establish the cause of death. Detective Superintendent Neil Esseen, of Lancashire Police, said: "We are in the early stages of this investigation and the death of this child is at the moment unexplained. "What is not clear at this stage is whether there is perhaps a vulnerable young mother out there who may have left her baby or whether this is something more sinister. "If there is someone out there who has abandoned a young child in this area then I would appeal to them directly to get in touch with the police. "I would also ask any concerned family members or health professionals to call us - we need to find out who this child is. I would also stress that although the child was found in Kirkham, we have no evidence at this time that the child is from the local area, and would therefore ask people from all over the country to come forward if they have concerns. "Even the smallest amount of information could help us take the investigation forward and I would urge anyone who thinks they may be able to help to get in touch." Anyone with information is asked to call Lancashire Police on 08451 25 35 45 or they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.