NSW police say they will conduct a postmortem and hold grave concerns for mother’s welfare

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

The body of a newborn baby has been found abandoned in the back yard of a home at Newcastle.

New South Wales emergency services were called to an address on Church Street, Stockton, north of the CBD, just after 7am on Tuesday.

A postmortem examination will be conducted to determine the age and cause of death. It is unclear how or when the baby got there, or who the parents are.

Detective superintendent Brett Greentree said police are gravely worried for the mother, who it is believed gave birth “very recently” and may need medical help.

“It’s just really a heartbreaking situation. It’s very very sad,” said Greentree.

“We’re hoping that between the investigations and the community we’ll be able to identify this female first and foremost and make sure she has medical treatment.”

Investigators do not believe there is a connection between the baby and the occupants of the home where the baby was found.

“The occupant of that residence has just gone out to the back yard this morning and located the body of the newborn,” Greentree said.

“That person is assisting us with our inquiries, as are the rest of the neighbours in the area who have been forthcoming.”