Concern for mother after abandoned baby found dead

Concern is growing for a mother whose newborn baby was found dead behind a convenience store, police said today.

Officers fear the unknown woman could be in an "extremely distressed" state and appealed to her again to come forward.

The abandoned baby boy was no more than 24 hours old, Gwent Police said today. He was found wrapped in a towel behind a Spar shop on Newport Road, Cwmcarn, South Wales, yesterday and pronounced dead in hospital last night.

Police are stepping up efforts to find the mother with house-to-house inquiries in the area. Officers are also exploring whether CCTV footage of the area may have captured the woman on camera.

They want anyone who may have seen anything between first light and 6.15pm on Thursday to come forward.

Detective Superintendent John Burley of Gwent Police said: "Our primary concern is to locate the mother.

"We think that there could be medical issues arising from this, she is also likely to be extremely distressed. We want her to get in touch with us as soon as possible."

Police estimate that the baby is no more than 24 hours old but an examination of the body will be taking place later today.

DS Burley said officers have already spoken to local midwives and health service staff in an effort to track down the mother.

He also appealed to any friends and family members who might have suspicions regarding someone they know.

"We are appealing for anyone, friends or family, who could have any suspicions of who this person might be, to come forward," he said.

Flowers and teddy bears were left outside the shop today.

One card read: "Sleep tight little angel. All our love, Brett, Laura, Rhianydd and Morgan."

Another said: "So sorry little angel that your time was so brief and cold. Our hearts are broken for you. Sleep safely, with all our love. The Chung family."