Police are urgently trying to find a mother and her baby after a human placenta was found in a park. Werneth Park in Oldham, Greater Manchester, was swarmed by police today and closed after a member of the public raised the alarm.

It was initially reported that remains had been found, however Greater Manchester Police have now confirmed that it was a placenta. Medics have told police a birth occurred within the last 24 hours and the force is now looking for the mum or baby who could be in need of medical attention.

A witness to the police investigation told the earlier this evening: "There were loads of police cars and vans, they parked up and all went into the park. Just now I saw some of them going in with shovels.

"I don't know what to think of it. It's messed up. Pretty shocking. You just hope it is animal remains. This is a park where you have the elderly going, kids, the last thing you want is human remains."

Detective Inspector Andy Day, of Oldham CID, said: "I want to make it clear that at this stage our investigation is not a criminal one, but one into the welfare of a mum and baby."

Greater Manchester Police said in an updated statement: "A suspicious item found this afternoon (Friday 28 March 2025) at Werneth Park, , has been confirmed to be a human placenta by medical professionals.

"We were called by a member of the public at around 2.40pm. Officers immediately deployed to the park and a scene was commenced, which remains in place, and will overnight whilst searches continue.

"There is no risk to the wider community, however the focus of our efforts is now on understanding the circumstances of how the placenta came to be in this location, and that no-one has come to any harm."

Detective Inspector Day said: "Incidents of this nature are extremely rare but of course will cause concern, and we share that concern.

"Medical experts have advised us that it is likely the birth has occurred in the last 24 hours, and it's possible that mum or baby are, or could be, in need of medical attention.

"We have several enquiries underway to try and identify who the placenta belongs to, including searching various UK databases and liaising with a number of partner agencies.

"I'm appealing to anyone who either knows the identity of mum or baby, or indeed mum herself, to come forward to us so we can ensure they are doing okay. I'd also appeal for anyone who has seen anything around the Werneth Park area over the last 24 hours they think might assist our enquiries to reach out.

"Officers will remain in the area for the coming hours and are there to listen to any concerns from the community. We appreciate the cooperation of those living locally, as we understand the impact of closing public spaces there to be enjoyed on a weekend.

"Information can be passed to us by calling 0161 856 8906 or 101, quoting log 1860 of 28/03/25."