DUMPED BABY STILL MYSTERY
T HE identity of a newborn baby who was found dead inside a black leather handbag three years ago remains a mystery.
The body of the baby boy was discovered near an industrial estate in Newport in January 2016, sparking a police appeal to find the child’s mother due to concerns for her welfare.
Three years on, Gwent Police said they still have not received any leads.
Police were called to Imperial Park, Coedkernew, in Newport following the discovery of a body at 2pm on January 29, 2016.
Officers cordoned off a section of woodland while a search of the area was carried out.
The child was discovered wrapped in a white towel that had the words “St Anne’s” hand-written along the edge.
The baby was found placed in a black leather handbag. A photograph of an identical bag was released.
Police said that the towel had originated from St Anne’s Hospice in Newport and that many similar towels existed.
A post-mortem examination confirmed the baby was newborn and had arrived at or about full-term.
The death was treated as unexplained, with the main concern of the police focusing on the well-being of the baby’s mother.
Officers said they knew the mother had given birth naturally and may have been alone.
A year after the discovery, Detective Inspector Judith Roberts said the anniversary “must be an incredibly distressing time for the mother”.
“The anniversary may bring back painful memories and we want to ensure that she is offered the right support,” she said.
“Anyone with information is urged to get in touch.
“If you want to speak with us confidentially or anonymously that can be arranged.”
Speaking on Friday, a Gwent Police spokesman said the mother had still not been identified.
“We issued a renewed appeal on the one-year anniversary, but did not receive any leads,” he said.
The spokesman said an inquest had been carried out and a cremation was organised by the coroner.
He added that the incident was not treated as criminal investigation but was an appeal relating to the welfare of the mother.