THREE weeks since the body of a newborn baby boy was discovered in Newport, police have again appealed for his mother to get in touch.

The baby's body was found near Imperial Park in Coedkernew at about 1.55pm on Friday, January 29 wrapped in a towel and in a black leather handbag.

Police have previously said he would have been born at or around full term. His death is being treated as unexplained. 

The towel had St Anne’s hand written along its edge. Police say it was from St Anne’s Hospice in Newport.

A statement released by Gwent Police says of the mother: “This must be an incredibly distressing time for her and we want to ensure that she is offered the right support.”

Referring to the handbag, the statement continues: “Do these items look familiar to you? If so, have you seen them recently? Maybe you can connect them with someone who may have been acting unusually over recent months, particularly in the past three weeks since the baby was found?”

Anyone who can help is asked to call the police on 101 and quote log number 207 29/1/16 or email contact@gwent.pnn.police.uk.

The police have also released a mobile phone number for the mother to contact them on. That is 07646653227 but solely for the mother to call.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said when the number was first publicised: "Please do not call the number mentioned under any circumstances. This line must be kept free for the mother to make contact."