POLICE have abandoned plans to search a landfill site near Pershore for a baby's body as part of an investigation into the possible concealment of birth.

The decision, announced this evening, followed several days of talks between police from Herefordshire and national forensic search experts.

Part of the Hill and Moor tip has been sealed off by police since last weekend when the investigation began after a teenager, believed to be aged between 16 and 19, was being treated at Herefordshire County Hospital. Medical staff found she had given birth earlier this month.

The site in Lower Moor is the location for all non-recycled household waste collected from homes in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

At today's meeting it was decided that any evidence which could assist the investigation is unrecoverable.

Det Chief Inspector Ivan Powell, who is leading the inquiry, said: "This is a highly sensitive inquiry and throughout its course officers have been in close liaison with the family.

"The teenage mother has also received all of the appropriate medical treatment and support through the relevant health and social welfare agencies.

"West Mercia Constabulary has now completed a thorough assessment of the site at Throckmorton with advice from nationally-recognised forensic search experts.

"The decision was not taken lightly and the prime factor in its outcome was the knowledge that any evidence recovered would not have revealed any information of value to the investigation.

"Officers will continue to pursue all other lines of inquiry as they investigate the possible concealment of the baby's birth.

"The teenage girl has not been arrested and continues to assist with police inquiries."