THE BABY which was tragically discovered dead along a cycle path in Oxford was newborn, police have confirmed.

Supt Christian Bunt, local area commander for Oxford, pleaded for the mother to seek medical attention after revealing the baby still had its umbilical cord attached. 

Speaking to press at Thames Valley Police's Kidlington HQ today, he said: "Clearly this is a tragic and upsetting situation for everyone involved, including the local community.

"Our number one priority is to the mother. The umbilical cord is still attached to the baby which means there are clearly some health implications for the mother, potentially quite serious.

"We don't know how long the baby has been there but that mum is going to need to see a doctor fairly urgently. I would like to appeal to the mother that if she is reading this she comes forward and presents herself to a doctor or a nurse or to a hospital, where she can get medical help. 

"This looks like a tragic situation where mum will be extremely frightened and very upset and might not be thinking straight. 

"I am also appealing to family and friends and the local community - someone may have an inkling about who this mum may be."

The grim discovery was made along the path between Oxford University Parks and Edgeway Road in Marston yesterday, at about 9.20am.

Officers continue to guard a cordon along the path after forensic officers finished searching bushes near the site of the discovery, believed to have been made by a dog walker.

Supt Bunt refused to reveal the sex of the baby, if the baby was born where it was found, the details of how it was found and if there was a note left nearby.  

The baby, whose death is being treated as unexplained, was taken away yesterday and will be examined by doctors on Thursday. 

Det Insp Jim Holmes, from Oxford CID, said: “This investigation is in its very early stages and officers are working to trace the mother of the child as she may require urgent medical attention. If you are the mother of the baby, please come forward so that we can ensure any appropriate help needed can be provided.

“Likewise, if you are a friend or family member of the mother, please come forward so we can check on her welfare.”

When commenting on the shocking news, a number of residents made reference to an attack in the same spot in 2008, when a Japanese student was brutally mugged and left for dead.

Oxford City Councillor Mick Haines said: “ The cycle path needs more lighting. It is really dark and as far as I know they haven’t got CCTV. It needs more checking out.”

Walker Rebecca Dean, 36, was on the path at about 10am yesterday. She said: “I saw the cordon and a helicopter flying over. I’m shocked; it’s a very busy cycle path.”

The police cordon will remain in place over the coming days. 

Yesterday forensics took away a pink stuffed bunny on the footpath, seemingly a tribute to the baby.

A lone potted flower was left by a midwife at the scene this morning. 

Anyone with any information on the death, or the mother’s whereabouts, can call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.