Dozens of mourners have helped lay to rest a newborn baby girl whose body was found wrapped in a bin liner in Rainham undergrowth.

A tiny white coffin bearing the remains of the tragic tot was carried into the funeral service at South Essex Crematorium, Ockendon Road, Upminster, on Friday August 2.

Teddy bears and flowers bearing the message ‘the world has lost a princess but gained an angel’ were laid at the service.

The funeral comes as police re-appealed for help in tracing the mother.

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 pink vest, bearing an image of bears and the word ‘Hug?’. The vest is 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.

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