A NEW born baby boy has been found dead in woodland outside Southampton.

An investigation has been launched after the death of a recently born baby boy found in woods in Hythe.

Police were called just after 2pm yesderday to an area of woods close to Shore Road.

Officers were on the scene for most of yesterday carrying out investigations.

The death is being treated as unexplained.

The investigation is reportedly in its early stages and residents are being warned of a larger than normal police presence in the area as officers carry out house-to-house enquiries today.

Detective Chief Inspector Ross Toms said: “I have no doubt this will have been a very distressing experience for the mother of this baby.

“Our priority right now is to ensure she receives the care and assistance she requires.

“I want to make a direct appeal to her.

“You may be very frightened right now and it is vitally important that you make contact with us or someone else.

“You may not want to contact the police and I understand that.

“If that is the case, I want to urge you to seek assistance from a healthcare professional or to attend a hospital as soon as possible.

“Our priority is ensuring you receive the right support.

“If anyone has any information that may assist our investigation, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“Have you seen anything out of the ordinary or that concerned you in the Shore Road area?

“Maybe you have concerns about someone who has been recently heavily pregnant, that you believe may have been recently heavily pregnant or who has recently given birth?

“I would also like to hear from anyone that has CCTV or dashcam footage from Shore Road or Frost Lane and the surrounding area.

“However insignificant it may seem to you, I would urge you to call us and let us know.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting either Operation Verse or the reference 44200084127.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.