POLICE will be stepping up patrols in Lostock tomorrow — exactly a week after the body of a newborn baby was found.

The little girl was wrapped up in clothing and plastic bags and found in Ox Hey Lane, Lostock, at 4.55pm last Thursday.

A couple walking their day made the grim discovery.

There was a note requesting an Islamic burial, but officers have not yet been able to confirm the age or ethnicity of the baby and further tests are being carried out.

It is expected it could take a couple of weeks to get the results of the tests.

Officers have been making extensive inquires including contacting schools, doctors and hospitals but they have not yet identified the mother. Information was also given out at Mosques last week to try to help find her.

Ch Insp Carol Martin, said: “Our priority remains to trace the mother, who we imagine must be having an extremely distressing time.

“We are still very worried about the parents’ physical and emotional state.

“It is likely the mother in particular will require some form of medical attention and I want to appeal directly to both parents or anyone who knows them to contact police or visit your GP or local hospital.”

A post mortem examination has been carried out and the cause of death remains uncertain.

Police believe that answers will be with the community and are making a fresh appeal for anyone with any information to come forward. It is not known how long the baby had been there, but police are focusing their investigation on three or four days before she was found.

Ch Insp Martin added: “People will notice and increased police presence in the area this Thursday as it will be a week on from this sad discovery. If you have any questions of concerns then please approach the officers – they are there to help.

“I want to reiterate our appeal to residents in Lostock who perhaps use Ox Hey Lane for running, cycling or walking on a frequent or daily basis — have you noticed a pile of what appeared to be clothing and plastic bags in the shrubbery recently? If so, please call us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5599, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.