A BABY girl found entombed in a block of concrete in a disused garage was murdered, police have said for the first time.

Officers have said they were keeping an open mind about how the six-month-old tot - who they dubbed Lara - came to be buried in the made-to-measure tomb, which was discovered by a man clearing out his garage in September 2002.

But now Det Ch Insp Andy Carter, of Cumbria Constabulary, who is leading the inquiry, says the tragic tot was murdered.

Mother-of-three Anne Chadwick and husband Phillip were arrested at their Droitwich home in Sandles Road, The Ridings, in January, on suspicion of murdering Lara, after DNA

proved that, while she wasn't the child's mother, she was related to her.

However, the couple, who used to live just yards from where Lara's remains were found in the village of Barepot, Cumbria, were later released without charge.

Speaking exclusively to the Evening News, Mrs Chadwick said they had been through a "terrible ordeal" and she is still mystified as to the identity of the baby's parents. "To be accused of having a baby you've never had is horrendous," said Mrs Chadwick.

The couple fear baby Lara may be the secret daughter of her parents, who are now both dead.

"We're not looking forward to the inquest but will be glad when it's all over. At the moment we're in limbo."

Det Ch Insp Carter said officers had discounted theories that Lara died from neglect or following an accident.

"It would be inappropriate for me to comment now on the likely identity of the parents of baby Lara," he said.

Police initially thought the inquest to establish Lara's identity and cause of death would be held later this month, but West Cumbria coroner, John Taylor, said it would not take place until at least December.