DNA tests to find mother of murdered baby

Detectives investigating the murder of a newborn baby girl found dead on the outskirts of south Belfast about two months ago are to begin DNA screening of around 600 women in the Carryduff area.

The voluntary DNA drive has been launched to allow experts to try to match the baby’s genetic make-up or DNA.

The baby girl’s body, which has yet to be identified, was discovered in a black bin bag by two schoolchildren in a country laneway at the rear of the Lough Moss Centre, Carryduff on Tuesday March 26.

The post-mortem examination revealed that the newborn child had suffered head injuries and stab wounds and may have been dead for several weeks.

In an effort to locate the mother and identify the baby girl a team of detectives investigating the murder of the baby girl said they hoped to screen around 600 females between the ages of 13 and 45, who are not currently pregnant starting from next Monday.

The test carried out on a voluntary basis, in the privacy of the volunteer’s home entails taking a tissue sample from inside the mouth, by wiping with a cotton bud.

A police spokesperson said they would be holding a public meeting on Thursday before the screening process began to address any fears any women might have.

This will take place at the Lough Moss Centre, Carryduff at 7:30pm on Thursday 23 May.

Police have also said they will destroy all DNA records resulting from the tests.

The police officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Roy McComb, said he was very hopeful that the women in the Carryduff community would help and support them in their efforts to find this child’s mother.

He said: “I am sure that the women living Carryduff will be prepared to help us with our investigation so that those tested can be eliminated from the inquiry. I hope that I will be able to explain the simple testing procedure and put minds at rest, at the public meeting later this week.

“I would also ask the mother of this little girl to make herself known to us. She must be feeling very confused and frightened, but we can help her if she would please get in touch.”

Police officers will be asking Carryduff women to participate in the screening in four phases starting on May 27.

These will include: phase 1 Lough Moss area; phase 2 Thompson’s Grange; phase 3 Muskett area and phase 4 Killynure area.

(AMcE)