to wonder what the hell was going on here?

[BubblegumPie]

Last night DH had been working late, and on his way home had seen a group of people burning what looked like a mattress in the street, one of them was holding a baby of around 5/6 months. This was around midnight.

He called the non emergency police number and they said they would send the fire brigade to check what they were burning. DH said that he was ringing them mainly because he was concerned about the welfare of the child, but they just fobbed him off. I can't stop worrying about it now, I can't think of one single good reason for a baby to be out at midnight, let alone stood around a burning mattress in the street. All very odd, and I'm wondering how to check if the baby is ok?

WIBU to ring non emergency police and ask about it? (And would they tell me anything?)

No they wouldnt tell you anything

That is odd

I'd ring. They might not tell you but you never know

It's nice that you give a shit but I can't see how you'll ever find out what happened and, if possible, you should get on with your life.

Bed bugs?

Not a normal way of dealing with them, but it just reminded me if that flea mattress scene in Angela's Ashes.

I suppose I shall just have to forget about it then.

Some people take their babies everywhere, and at seemingly unsuitable times. But babies don't spend 7 hours asleep at night.

I suppose you have to accept that these are people who live a very different life to you and me. Burning a mattress in the street at midnight it not ordinary behaviour and I think 99% of MN would agree on that. That said I wouldn't jump to a conclusion that the baby fell in the fire. It's a grim thought but I seriously doubt it happened.