Baby

The body of a baby was found in the mill head at King's Mill in Denham on 28 April 1924.

It was found by a man that had lived in New Windsor Street, Uxbridge. He said he saw a black bundle floating in the water and on recovering it, found that two strands of rough fencing wire were attached to it with a piece of scrap iron, weighing 2lbs, attached to the other end.

He said that when he then opened it he found the body of a newly-born child inside.

Medical evidence showed that the body was well nourished and fully developed. On the left side of the neck there was a raised mark as well as swelling under the right ear, whilst thehead was firmly pressed on to the chest.

There was also a bluish line round the neck, which indicated that an attempt had been made to strangle it.

The cause of death was given as asphyxia.

A police inspector said that every possible inquiry had been made, and the whole circumstances circulated to every police authority in the country, but without result.

When the Coronor summed up, he said that it was one of those mysteries that might come to light some day and that looking at it in that light he had decided to return an open verdict that the child was found dead in the river, and that there was no evidence to show how it came by its death.