Detectives investigating the death of a newborn baby girl whose body was discovered in undergrowth in Rainham are re-appealing for help in tracing the mother - on the eve of her funeral.

The body was found at about 4.40pm on Sunday April 10, by young boys, near a footpath by the Ingrebourne river, off the old A13 (now the A1306 New Road).

The baby, named Tess by authorities, was wrapped inside a black bin liner which also contained a distinctive vest thought to be sold by Primark in some European countries but not the UK.

A post-mortem examination which was held at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in central London, was unable to establish a cause of death.

Despite carrying out extensive inquiries, officers from the Child Abuse Investigation Command have been unable to trace the mother.

Det Insp Colin Welsh, said: “I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us. The vest inside the bin liner is quite distinctive and I am hoping that someone might recognise it.”

Officers would also like to hear from anyone who might have seen the bag being left in the undergrowth.

The funeral of the unidentified baby will be held in Upminster tomorrow Friday (September 2) at 1.40pm, at South Essex Crematorium, Ockendon Road, Upminster.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to call: 0208217 6555 or to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.