Workmen find ‘little baby boy’ dead in suburb storm drain, Australia police say
A newborn baby was found dead in a storm drain in western Australia, according to authorities.
Now, detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the mother, according to a news conference held by the Western Australia Police Force and shared to Facebook.
Western Australia Police Detective Senior Sgt. Stephen Cleal said the “little baby boy” was found by two “workmen” Aug. 18 down a stormwater drain in Alexander Heights.
“This is a highly distressing and confronting situation and scene for the community involved,” Cleal said. “ ... My heart goes out to those two.”
Cleal said the workers made the grim discovery by chance, adding that they were “very unprepared,” the Daily Mail reported. “Not that you can prepare for a discovery like this,” Cleal said, according to the outlet.
Authorities said there is no evidence suggesting that the baby was washed into the drain, adding that he appeared to be placed there intentionally, Australia’s 9NEWS reported.
Police said they believe the baby was placed there recently.
“We have serious concerns for the mother’s health, the mother’s welfare,” Cleal said in the news conference. “Wewant to help that mother. That is our priority.”
“If you are watching, if you are listening, if you are that mother, please come forward,” Cleal said.
Alexander Heights is a suburb of Perth.
