A NEWBORN baby boy died after being abandoned behind a convenience store, police said.

The baby was found wrapped in only a towel behind the Spar shop in Newport Road, Cwmcarn, yesterday and pronounced dead in hospital last night.

Police said they were "extremely concerned" about the health of the baby's mother and appealed for her to get in touch.

Superintendent John Burley, of Gwent Police, said: "We are extremely concerned about the health and wellbeing of the mother of the baby and are appealing for her to come forward to receive any medical treatment she may require.

"This is a tragic incident which will sadden the local community and our priority at the moment is finding the mother of the baby.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the Spar store this morning or this afternoon who may be able to offer any information to assist our inquiry."

He added: "Police also ask anyone with concerns about someone they know, a friend or member of their family, who they think could possibly be connected to this incident to contact them as soon as possible."