Man arrested for attempted murder after newborn baby found in hospital loo
THE baby had to be resuscitated after being found by security staff at the Royal Albert Infirmary in Wigan last night
A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a newborn baby was found dumped in a hospital toilet.
The infant had to be resuscitated after being found in the loo by shocked security staff in the A&E department of Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan last night.
Detectives are quizzing a 31-year-old man after the "lifeless" newborn was discovered.
Quick-moving medical staff were able to resuscitate the tiny baby while police rushed to the scene to hunt for the suspect.
Detective Inspector Martin Reddington from Greater Manchester Police said: "This is an awful situation, I am just so happy I am able to say the baby boy is doing well.
"We have made an arrest and will be thoroughly investigating how this happened."
Medical staff are monitoring the newborn and police are appealing for any eyewitnesses inside the hospital to come forward.
It is understood police have already spoken to the newborn baby's mother, who has been offered support and has not been arrested.
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The A&E department of the hospital was closed immediately after the shocking discovery but it has since reopened.
Detective Inspector Reddington added: "We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the A&E department between 7pm and midnight.
"If they saw a man and a woman in and around the toilets or saw anything unusual I would ask them to get in touch with police as soon as possible
"I would like to take this opportunity to praise the staff at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, without doubt their heroic actions saved the life of this newborn baby."
Andrew Forster, Chief Executive of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I would like to thank all staff who were involved for their professionalism and calmness during the incident, particularly the diligent member of staff who discovered the baby and raised the alarm.
"I'm very proud of the way our staff worked, their quick response without doubt saved the baby's life."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 7124, 101 or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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