Police use DNA to trace mother

The baby was found in a lay-by in a plastic bag

Police are using DNA samples to try to trace the mother of a baby girl found dead inside a plastic bag.

The child, named Louise by police, was discovered in a lay-by between St Dennis and Whitemoor, near St Austell, on Thursday afternoon.

Officers have also revealed more details about the bag in which the baby was found.

It was a black Dorothy Perkins carrier bag, with white writing on it.

The baby was found in a carrier bag similar to this

Police revealed on Friday the baby had been born alive.

The body was found by a contractor, who was clearing rubbish in the area which is regularly used by fly-tippers.

A post-mortem examination on the child's body has revealed she died of neglect after birth.

Police said they are desperate to trace the mother to offer help and support.

Detective Inspector David Dunne said: "From the post mortem carried out by a Home Office pathologist, it appears the baby did live for a very short time after birth.

"We are very anxious to find the mum to give her all the help and assistance we can in trying to overcome what has been a very trying experience for her."

He said earlier: "An individual cannot keep this a secret.

"Therefore I am asking any girlfriends to come forward, or even a boyfriend if there is a boyfriend involved."

The women's health department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, Truro, has also said the mother could be in need of vital medical attention.

The hospital said: "We have no idea what type of delivery she had. She could be bleeding, we've no idea whether the afterbirth was delivered.

"She could have bled during labour and be in a weak state."

Police have been conducting house-to-house inquiries in the area where the baby was found.