Search of Tooting Bec Common likely to continue for two more days (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Search of Tooting Bec Common likely to continue for two more days

1:32pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in News

The man heading the investigation into the remains of a baby found on Monday has said the search of Tooting Bec Common is likely to continue for two more days.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Dunne said he hopes the meticulous sweep of the common by police and sniffer dogs will be over by the end of Friday.

He said that so far no further remains have been found by the team and the search is being slowed by the dense vegetation in parts of the common.

Det Chf Insp Dunne said overgrown areas were being searched but some thickets were so dense that they could not be checked without doing permanent damage to the common and to the wildlife who use it as a refuge.

But he said that his primary concern at present was to track down the mother of the baby, who is believed to have been born within the past fortnight.

He said : "My main focus has to be on identifying the parents of this child and any criminal inquiries would come after that. We are very keen to find the parents, particularly the mother of this child, as quickly as possible so that she can get the medical or other support she needs."

The investigation into the death is being led by the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives on 0208 721 4906. If you wish to remain anonymous then place call Crimestopper on 0800 555 111.