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Police seek mystery visitor to Baby April's grave

Woman in her 40s visited the resting place of an unidentified baby found dead in Kent 31 years ago.

Reporting desk London Crime News Desk||3 min read|London Crime News
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Old Kent Road, London SE15 - geograph.org.uk - 2166129Stacey Harris via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Detectives in Kent have released a computer-generated image of a woman who visited the grave of an unidentified baby, known as Baby April, in June. The child was discovered deceased 31 years ago, and her parents have never been located.

Discovery of Baby April

Baby April was found wrapped in plastic bags at Singleton Lake in Ashford, Kent, on April 3, 1995. She was believed to be no more than a week old. The post-mortem examination determined the cause of death to be asphyxiation. Despite extensive inquiries since the discovery, investigators have been unable to identify or trace the baby's parents or any relatives. A temporary exhumation in 2011 to obtain a full DNA profile also did not lead to identification.

The Mystery Visitor

The woman in question visited Baby April's grave at Bybrook Cemetery in Ashford during June of this year. According to Kent Police, she appeared distressed during her time at the graveside. She is described as white, in her 40s, with a medium to slim build, and no taller than 5 feet 7 inches. She has a pale complexion and grey, shoulder-length hair. At the time of her visit, she was wearing a short grey cardigan, black leggings, and trainers. She was also carrying a small shoulder bag and a floral-patterned fabric holdall across her body.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber stated that Baby April was named after the month she was found. He added, "Despite ongoing inquiries since that time, her parents and true identity to this date have never been found. We believe it is important to find the truth behind this tragic story and this woman might have information which could assist us in finding that."

Appeal for Information

Kent Police are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the woman who visited the grave. Those with information can contact Kent Police on 01622 652006 or submit details via the online portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4601020100X37-PO1. Individuals wishing to provide information anonymously can do so by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or visiting their website.

Reader briefing

Questions this report answers

Q/A
01What happened to Baby April?

Baby April was found dead at Singleton Lake in Ashford, Kent, on April 3, 1995. She was believed to be up to a week old and the cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation.

02Have Baby April's parents been identified?

No, despite extensive investigations over 31 years, including DNA profiling, Baby April's parents or any relatives have never been traced.

03What information do police have about the visitor to the grave?

Police have released an e-fit of a white woman in her 40s, no taller than 5ft 7in, with a medium to slim build and pale complexion. She had grey shoulder-length hair and was wearing a grey cardigan, black leggings, and trainers.

04How can I help Kent Police with this investigation?

Kent Police are asking anyone with information about the woman who visited Baby April's grave to call them on 01622 652006 or use their online portal. Anonymous tips can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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Kent Police seek woman who visited Baby April's grave | London Crime News