DETECTIVES are urging the mother of a newborn baby whose body was found in the Grand Union Canal 10 days ago to come forward and seek medical help.

Police were called just after 1pm on May 9, when a member of the public who was paddleboarding on the Grand Union Canal near Old Oak Lane saw a small object in the water.

It turned out to be the body of a newborn baby girl, wrapped in a dark pink coloured towel, which had an Asda label attached to it.

The ambulance service arrived shortly after but the baby was pronounced dead at the scene.

An urgent investigation has been under way for the past 10 days in order to establish the circumstances.

Detective Inspector, Sarah O'Toole, said: "We are concerned for the wellbeing and safety of the baby's mother and are urging her to seek medical help by dialing 999 or by going to the nearest hospital.

"I'm also asking for the public to help us - the canal towpath is usually busy with walkers, runners and cyclists.

"Did you see anything in the last few days by the Grand Union canal near to Old Oak Lane or have you heard anything that might help us?"

If you have any information, you're urged to call 101 and quote the reference number CAD 3589/09MAY.