FORENSIC tests have revealed that a baby found in the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal last month was stillborn.

A post mortem examination of the baby boy, who was found by walker Robert Chiles on October 11, in a holdall half in and half out of the water, proved inconclusive.

But further forensic tests have been carried out, and police say: "There is no proof of the baby having a separate existence from the mother".

The baby boy weighed five and a half pounds and could have been there for up to five weeks before it was found.

It was discovered in a green 'Lee' holdall which also had black bin liners and a brick in it. Despite numerous appeals for the mother to come forward, four weeks after the baby was found police have still been unable to trace her.

They say they are still following numerous lines of inquiry and are working closely with healthcare specialists in their efforts to find the baby's mother.

Detective Inspector Rhiannon Hodges made another appeal to the mother today. She said: "It is so important that you receive professional, medical treatment.

"If you haven't made a visit to a doctor, please do so as a matter of priority or your health could suffer.

* Picured, a police oficer stands at the spot where the baby's body was found in the holdall

"Your physical and mental well-being is of great concern to all of us.

"The pain you are experiencing won't go away on its own.

"You will probably feel like this for the rest of your life unless you help us to understand where this little baby has come from, where he belongs."

Detective Inspector Hodges also directed her plea to the family of the baby's mother, and said: "If you are troubled by the secret of what happened to the baby, we will try to help you.

"This little boy has no one to speak up for him; he is all alone. If you can be that person, we'll give you all the help we can to deal with what has happened to you and your family."

Anyone with information about the baby's mother should call DI Hodges on 02920 852999.