POLICE are continuing the search of a woman after a placenta discovered in woods near Stroud is confirmed as human.


Gloucestershire Police have said tests carried out over the weekend have confirmed the placenta, found last Thursday, is human, and from the birth of a baby at around 20 weeks gestation.


Further DNA testing has revealed it is likely the premature baby is a boy.
Detective Inspector Steve Bean said enquiries have been made with local maternity units, however none of them have admitted a woman who has given birth to a baby of that age.


He added officers’ concern was to find the mother and baby.


He said: " We are continuing to investigate this discovery, and as yet have not been able to trace the mother, which has been our focus throughout.
"We would still like to hear from anyone with information about who left these items. All calls will be dealt with sensitively."


The placenta was discovered by a dog walker in South Woodchester, near Stroud, shortly before 7pm last Thursday evening, July 27.
 

A woman was walking her dog along a track that leads from Bospin Lane to Selsley Common, when her dog disturbed a plastic bag. Upon examination, the bag was found to contain a bowl, within which was a placenta and some medical equipment.


Police have said further DNA testing will now be carried out, in the hope of identifying the mother.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident number 433 of July 26.