Public invited to funeral for tragic Seafield baby

A FUNERAL for a baby found dead on a path almost two years ago is to be thrown open to the public after attempts to find his mother failed.

Police closed off the scene at Seafield Place after the infant was discovered. Pic: Phil Wilkinson

Police launched a major investigation in July 2013 when the body of the boy was discovered near Seafield Crematorium.

But despite extensive inquiries – including public appeals, DNA tests and forensic examinations – detectives failed to uncover the identity of the child or his mother.

The harrowing discovery shocked local residents, many of whom laid flowers at the site.

Almost two years on, Police Scotland has announced that the tragic infant will be laid to rest next week.

Officers have invited members of the community to attend the funeral.

Detective Inspector Rory Hamilton, from the major investigation team, said: “The tragic death of this young baby and the continued efforts to trace his family really touched a nerve with the local community and we are grateful to the public for all the assistance they provided us with.

“We have yet to receive the vital piece of information that can help us identify the child’s mother and we will now lay the infant to rest during a service at Seafield Crematorium at 10am on Friday, May 1.

“Anyone also wishing to come along and pay their respects is free to do so.”

Shortly after the grim discovery, officers revealed that the body may have lain on the path for up to a month.

Tests on the baby showed that it may have been up to six weeks old, and detectives believed it had been healthy and well fed.

Officers conducted extensive searches around Restalrig Path, close to the crematorium cemetery, where the infant’s remains were found by a dog walker.

Detectives trawled the council’s list of at-risk babies in a bid to identify the remains, and police also contacted NHS staff to learn whether any new or expectant mothers displayed suspicious behaviour at a hospital or doctor’s surgery.

They also studied CCTV footage of the nearby area, however the circumstances which led to the baby being dumped on the path remain a mystery.

Details of a blanket, sold by Primark, which had circus-themed pictures on one side and an image of an elephant, were also released.

But despite all of their efforts, no trace of the mother or other family members has ever been found.

The sombre invitation for people to attend the funeral echoes a recent story involving a Second World War veteran from Worthing.

Military personnel were encouraged to attend a service for Patrick Murphy, a rear gunner of a Lancaster regiment.

He reached the rank of flight sergeant and his role was to protect aircraft from fighters.

But when he died in January, it emerged he did not have any close family living nearby that could attend his funeral, leading to a local appeal for mourners.