Concrete tomb baby led a ‘distressing life’

A BABY girl found entombed in a small concrete block would have led a “distressing and painful” life before she died and her body concealed, detectives said yesterday.

Police released further details at a news conference about the life of the girl, given the name of Lara and thought to be aged between four and six months when she died.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Carter, of Cumbria Police, said murder had not been ruled out in the investigation, the first of its kind in the Britain. Lara’s remains were found on September 11 last year in a free-standing block of concrete, dumped among rubbish in a derelict garage in the tiny hamlet of Barepot, near Workington, Cumbria.

A man attempted to move the three-and-a-half stone block, but had to smash it up. The remains were then discovered.

Mr Clark, who is leading the inquiry, said: “Lara suffered from an abscess in her upper gum which was left untreated.

“This type of infection would have caused her extreme pain. Lara would have been extremely distressed. People living close to her would have heard her crying in agony,” he said.

Mr Clark said the inquiry team could not rule out the possibility that Lara was murdered, or she died by other means and an attempt was made to hide the body.

However, he added: “There’s been a concerted effort to attempt to ensure that this child was never, ever found.

Experts believe Lara died sometime between 1990 and 1992.

The inquiry opened with a low-key local news conference last week in the hope that the baby’s parents would come forward. Detective Inspector Paul Smith said it was believed the concrete block was dumped elsewhere before it found its way to the derelict garage.

There was evidence that the garage was broken into in 1995, he added.

Mr Carter said psychologists have been consulted for a profile on Lara’s parents.

The concrete block in which Lara was discovered has also been analysed, said Mr Carter.

“We are pretty sure that its has been made by someone with a knowledge of the building trade,” he said.

“It is well made and well mixed with the correct measures,” he said.

Analysis of the concrete also revealed it was most likely to have been made in the Workington area.

About 15 scientists have been helping detectives try unravel the mystery of Lara and the possibility of carrying out DNA tests on people in the area has not been ruled out.

Mr Carter added that consultations will shortly begin with the coroner to discuss Lara’s funeral.

“We will arrange a proper funeral for her and she will be laid to rest,” he added.