The priority of all involved following the discovery of a deceased human foetus was to locate the mother and ensure she received the appropriate care.

Following the appeal, police officers reported on 3 March that the mother had been identified and that officers have ensured she is receiving all the support she needs.

Dorset Police said it is not being treated as a criminal matter and their “thoughts are with the mother at this extremely difficult time.”

A police spokesperson said: “We would like to thank the public who provided information in response to our appeal, as well as the local community for their support while there was an increased emergency services presence in the area.

“There will be no further information released and we would ask the public not to speculate on the circumstances.

“We would request the privacy of the mother and her family is respected.”