A MURDER investigation has today been launched after the body of a baby girl was found in a park.

'Baby M' was discovered in bushes and police say she may have been left in the park up to four days before she was found.

Searches are being carried out in Manor Park, Aldershot, over the next week, as part of the probe.

Officers believe Baby M was left in the park sometime between 6pm on Monday, May 15, and 8am on Tuesday, May 16, before she was discovered at about 1.30pm on Friday, May 19.

Hampshire Constabulary's Marine Unit took part in the search, along with a fire crew from St Mary's station in Southampton.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Brown of the Major Crime team said: “This is an extremely complex investigation and it has taken a great deal of professional medical analysis to establish that we are now treating this as a murder investigation.

“We continue to fully investigate all lines of enquiry identified to move the investigation forward and find out exactly what happened and identify those that are involved in the death of Baby M

“We understand that this new information will be a concern to those involved, and that they may themselves be vulnerable and in need of support.

"We will do all we can to get that support however, this is a serious criminal offence which we have a duty to investigate and bring to a conclusion.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting Operation Metre, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.