TEENAGERS have discovered the body of a baby girl in a sack dumped in a North-East wood.

The baby, which may have been there for several days, was found in woodland in Kirkleatham, near Redcar, east Cleveland, shortly after 2pm on Wednesday.

A post-mortem examination carried out at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital has confirmed the baby was born several weeks premature.

Cleveland Police last night said the teenagers who had made the discovery were left extremely shocked and shaken.

Officers said they were extremely concerned for the welfare of the baby's mother and say that she will probably not only be in need of urgent medical attention, but will be in an extremely vulnerable state. They urged her or her family to come forward and said that all information would be treated sensitively.

The baby was believed to have been found in a sack a short distance from a makeshift camp.

The area, which includes two picnic benches and the remains of two campfires, is a notorious hot-spot for youngsters to gather and drink alcohol.

Police are often called to the secluded woodland spot chasing up reports of anti-social behaviour.

Last night, all that remained in the area were dozens of empty alcohol cans.

The infant was found by trees and bushes opposite this site and directly next to a country road, Plantation Road, off the old Kirkleatham Lane.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "This must have been extremely shocking for the teenagers who found the baby.

They phoned police immediately after they made the discovery.

"We can only express the concern we have for the mother. She must be going through mental anguish and will be in need of serious medical attention."

Officers are asking for anyone with any information as to the identity of the mother to contact them.

They are also asking the public's help in reporting anything suspicious seen in the area over the last week.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Acting Detective Chief Inspector Ian White, on 01642-302626.