A baby believed to have been born on the banks of a NSW river earlier this week is a boy, NSW Police have revealed.
A dog walker found the “placenta and an umbilical cord of a human” on the water’s edge of the Cooks River near Wardell Rd, Earlwood in Sydney about 4.30pm on Monday.
The discovery sparked a large-scale search of the area and an appeal for the mother to come forward and seek support.
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Forensic tests have now confirmed the baby is a boy.
“Police hold serious concerns for the welfare of the child and his mother,” NSW Police said.
“Officers are urging the mother to attend her nearest hospital to receive urgent care for herself and her child.”
A blood detection dog was involved in a search of the area earlier this week and police divers have searched the mangroves and the water’s edge of the river.
The possibility the child was disposed of in the river will form part of the police investigation, Detective Chief Superintendent Christine McDonald said.
However, there is no evidence to suggest a child has been harmed at this stage.
The main concern is the health of the mother and child, McDonald said. She urged the mother to come forward and seek support.
“Childbirth, for many people, can be a traumatic time,” she said.
McDonald acknowledged the mother may not want people to know she has given birth.
“There is no judgement,” she said.
“They need to know that we are concerned for them, that we are wanting to know that they are safe.
“Childbirth presents a number of health concerns, hence why we are requesting the mother goes straight to hospital and speaks to health professionals.”
Police urge anyone with CCTV footage or information about the incident to contact Burwood Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Officers are also appealing for anyone who lives in or was present in the following areas who may have seen a pregnant woman or a woman in distress on Monday to contact authorities:
- Wardell Rd near Lang Rd in Earlwood
- Tennent Pde in Hurlstone Park
- Ewen Park in Hurlstone Park
“Any information at this time would be greatly appreciated,” McDonald said.