INVESTIGATIONS have been unable to determine whether a baby boy whose body was found on the outskirts of Newport last year was stillborn.

An open conclusion, indicating that his death remains unexplained, was reached on the case today by senior coroner for Gwent David Bowen, at an inquest.

Despite DNA testing and extensive inquiries, backed by sustained coverage in press and broadcast media during the months after the discovery of the baby’s body, his mother has not been traced, and it is not known if he even had a name.

A number of pleas for her to come forward, made by police and health experts over several months, have proved unsuccessful.

The boy’s body was found shortly before 2pm on Friday January 29 last year.

The inquest was told that a man out walking his dog had contacted the police after spotting what he believed to be a body in an area of marshy wasteland off Celtic Way, Newport, near the Quinn Radiators factory.

The baby’s body was wrapped in a white towel and placed inside a black leather handbag.

He was newborn, and is believed to have been at or around full term.

The towel had St Anne’s handwritten along its edge, and police said it was from St Anne’s Hospice in Newport.

A post mortem examination had been unable to determine whether the baby had what coroner’s officer Detective Constable John Lewis called an “independent existence” - had lived - after he was born.

He may have been stillborn, but it was not possible to confirm that and no evidence of trauma was found on his body.

Reaching his open conclusion, Mr Bowen thanked the media for its help in publicising the case, in an effort to trace the baby’s mother.

“It is very much appreciated,” he said.

At the end of last month, on the anniversary of the discovery, police made another appeal in an attempt to trace her.

“This must be an incredibly distressing time for the mother. The anniversary may bring back painful memories and we want ensure that she is offered the right support,” said Detective Inspector Judith Roberts.

Anyone with information may phone Gwent Police on 101, or contact officers via direct message on Facebook.