A number of women have been interviewed following the discovery of the body of the newborn baby in Rainham, but police admit they are no closer to solving the mystery of the tragic tot.

There remains as many questions as there are answers, as detectives struggle to pinpoint when she was dumped - ”between weeks and months” - the child’s ethnicity, as well as who or where the mother might be.

The girl, who the coroner gave permission to be named Tess, was found wrapped in a bin liner in an isolated beauty spot off the Ingrebourne River, on Sunday April 10, by three boys enjoying the Easter break.

She was found with a distinctive pink vest, bearing an image of bears and the word ‘Hug?’.

The garment is sold in Primarks in Europe - including the Republic of Ireland - but not in the UK.

But the crucial clue has not progressed the investigation.

Leading enquiries is DI Colin Welsh, of the child abuse major investigation unit, based in Stratford, east London.

“A number of people, possible mothers, have been identified and all have been eliminated. They have been from the east London and Essex areas,” he explained. “Unfortunately there have been no new leads. However, forensic tests contiune, even after five months.”

DI Welsh appealed directly to the mother to hand herself in to police, where she will be dealt with “sensitively”.

He said: “Come forward. At some time we may well be able to identify you so it’s best for you to come to us to as soon as possible. We will deal with you very sensitively.”

Tess was laid to rest at South Essex Crematorium, Ockendon Road, Upminster, on Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to call: 0208 217 6555 or to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.