Woman assisting police after baby found in storm drain

Savannah Meacham |

A newborn’s body was found in a stormwater drain in Perth’s northern suburbs on Monday afternoon.
A newborn’s body was found in a stormwater drain in Perth’s northern suburbs on Monday afternoon.

A woman is assisting police after a baby boy was found dead inside a stormwater drain.

Two workers carrying out routine maintenance made the confronting discovery in Alexander Heights in Perth’s northern suburbs on Monday afternoon.

Western Australia Police confirmed a woman in her 30s is assisting with their investigation into the newborn’s death.

“The woman is receiving appropriate care and support,” police said in a statement on Wednesday evening.

The drain where the infant was found
The newborn’s body was found by two workers carrying out routine maintenance in Alexander Heights. (Stefan Gosatti/AAP PHOTOS)

“Given the sensitivities, we will be making no further comment at this time.

“The Western Australia Police Force would like to thank the community for their concern, support and assistance.”

Police had earlier confirmed the infant had been placed in the stormwater drain in recent days.

There was no evidence the baby had been washed through the drain system, Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Cleal told reporters on Tuesday.

Detectives had made a plea for the baby’s mother to come forward amid concerns for her health.

Tributes at the drain
Flowers and teddy bears were left by the storm drain where the infant was found. (Stefan Gosatti/AAP PHOTOS)

Police also urged people with information about the incident or CCTV recorded in the area to come forward.

Premier Roger Cook had called it a “horrifying series of events” that had rocked the community, with flowers and teddy bears being left at the drain site.

“This goes to the heart of everyone’s sense of humanity, a small child whose life has passed under tragic circumstances,” he said.

AAP