A STOCKTON resident has made a "heartbreaking" discovery, finding a newborn baby's body abandoned in their backyard.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Emergency services were called to a home on Church Street about 7am on Tuesday, after the body was discovered. Police now face the challenging task of piecing together what Newcastle commander Superintendent Brett Greentree has called a 'mystery'.
"I can't go into specific details, but what I can say is that the occupant of that residence has just gone out to the backyard and located the body of a newborn," Superintendent Greentree said.
Neighbours in the quiet residential area said the first they knew of the incident was when emergency services raced into the street with lights and sirens blazing. People lined the road on Tuesday awaiting information, but were not expecting such tragic news.
"At the moment we have very serious and grave concerns for the mother who may need medical assistance and we are doing our absolute best to try and identify this female.
"If anybody in the community knows anything about this, contact Newcastle detectives or Crime Stoppers."
The Stockton home now sits behind police tape, as crime scene investigators try to piece together how the baby came to be on the property and where the mother went.
Superintendent Greentree said police would not be ruling out anything at this stage - including foul play - but the main priority was to find the mother.
The crime scene includes a nearby laneway and adjacent street. Police spent much of Tuesday searching the area, speaking to residents and canvassing local hospitals.
While police are not yet able to release details about the newborn's exact age, gender or cause of death, they do believe the missing mother gave birth "very recently". In a press conference outside Waratah station, police appealed for the public's help to "unravel" what had happened.
"It is just really a heartbreaking situation, it is very, very sad," Superintendent Greentree said.
"We are hoping that between the investigations, and the community, we will able to identify this female and first and foremost make sure she has medical treatment."
Anyone with information about the baby or the mother is urged to contact Newcastle detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police said the Stockton resident who discovered the body had no connection to the incident and has since been offered support.
A post mortem examination will be conducted in an effort to establish the age of the baby and the cause of death. This will form part of a report which will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
"If the mother of that child is listening, watching or if anybody who knows the mother of that child, make contact with somebody. It is very important."
EARLIER REPORT:
THE body of a newborn baby has been found abandoned in a Stockton backyard, police said.
Emergency services were called to a home on Church Street shortly after 7am on Tuesday after the body of the newborn baby was discovered.
Police officers, detectives and forensic teams remained on scene at midday.
Neighbours lined the quiet street awaiting news of what had occurred. Residents said the first they knew of any incident was when emergency services raced into the street with lights and sirens blazing.
Police now "hold grave concerns for the welfare of the mother, who may need to seek urgent medical treatment". They are appealing for public assistance to help find the woman.
A post mortem examination will be conducted in an effort to establish the age of the baby and the cause of death. This will form part of a report which will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
Police will address the media with further information at 1pm today. The Herald will broadcast the press conference on facebook.
Anyone with information about the baby or the mother is urged to contact Newcastle detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Did you know The Herald is now offering breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up-to-date with all the local news - sign up here.
IN NEWS TODAY: