THE detective leading the investigation into a dead baby discovered beside a Gwent canal says he fears the infant's mother will probably never be found.

Gwent Police remain baffled as to the identity of the stillborn baby boy, whose body was found beside the Monmouth-shire Brecon canal in Newbridge on October 11.

Detectives have repeatedly tried to trace the mother, expressing deep concern for her welfare, but without any result.

And Detective Chief Inspector Andy Williams, who is leading the investigation, admitted to the Argus the investigation was stalled, adding: "I fear the worst."

Since the discovery of the baby, near the busy A467 road between Ebbw Vale and Newport on Friday, October 11, his team has carried out extensive inquiries with the local health authorities and schools, as well as interviewing people in house-to-house inquiries.

DCI Williams said a DNA sample was obtained from the baby and that its profile was being run on the National DNA database.

He said: "We also tracked down the travelling fair that was in the area at that time - but that drew a blank."

In December the Argus revealed how the baby will be buried in an unmarked grave by Caerphilly county borough council unless the mother is found.

Once the Coroner is satisfied that the police have carried out the appropriate inquiries, an inquest will be opened, then the baby's body will be released to the local authority for burial.

Gwent Police say once a person is buried in an unmarked grave, they have to remain there even if the family come forward.

A police appeal before Christmas proved fruitless, and DCI Williams said: "I don't know what else we can do to find the mother, but we will never give up."

The baby boy was found naked and wrapped in two black bin liners inside a green Lee sports holdall weighed down by a brick, and a horrified passer-by made the grisly discovery.

The post-mortem examination revealed the baby had been dead for up to five weeks.

Anyone with information should contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111.