Detectives investigating the discovery of the body of a new-born baby boy at a waste site in Shipley have now established the child is likely to have died in the last two weeks.

The grim find was made by workers sorting rubbish at Associated Waste Management in Valley Road late on Wednesday night.

At a press conference today, Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said there was serious concern for the health of the boy’s mother who officers are trying to trace.

Det Supt Ridley, who is leading the inquiry, said: “Although we have not yet been able to confirm an exact cause of death or whether or not the child was born alive, we have been able to establish that he did have a congenital heart defect and there are no signs that he suffered any injuries before he died.

“The mother of this little baby boy has been through a terribly traumatic experience and my main and overriding concern is for both her physical and psychological welfare.

“It is vitally important that she seeks medical attention and I would appeal to her to do that as soon as possible.”

Inquiries have shown that the waste in which the baby’s body was found has come from premises within West Yorkshire and officers are working closely with local authorities, including Bradford Council, to identify the streets where it was collected.

Det Supt Ridley said: “It is possible that the mother of this child has confided in a friend, or someone may know who the mother of this child is.

"If that is the case, I would appeal to those people to encourage and assist the mother of this baby boy to seek the medical assistance she needs.”

Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation has been urged to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via the non-emergency number 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be sent via text to 07786 200805 – start your message with the word “baby”.