Body of newborn found abandoned in NSW backyard
The body of a newborn baby was found in a bloodied plastic bag after it was abandoned in the backyard of a Newcastle home. Investigators are now looking into how or when the baby got there.
The body of a newborn baby was found in a bloodied plastic bag after it was abandoned in the backyard of a Newcastle home.
Police were called to the weatherboard house on Church St in the beachside suburb of Stockton about 7am on Tuesday after the shocking discovery.
Investigators are looking into how or when the baby got there, or who the parents are.
One man said the baby was in a plastic bag with blood “all over” in the backyard.
“There was blood and everything all over the bag,” he said.
“The baby was still in the bag … I’d say just on the lawn.”
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Neighbours and friends told The Daily Telegegraph the man living at the house, Dan, lived alone and had teenage children who did not live with him.
Wearing a beanie, Dan returned to the crime scene on Tuesday afternoon and said: “(I’m a) bit shaken and sad”.
It is believed he made the grim discovery.
Friends stressed that he was not connected to the baby’s death.
“In no way whatsoever (was he connected) … it was f***ing random, it could have been f***ing thrown anywhere,” he said.
A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the age, sex and cause of death, police said.
Detective Superintendent Brett Greentree said police have grave concerns for the mother, who it’s believed gave birth “very recently” and may need medical assistance.
“It’s just really a heartbreaking situation. It’s very very sad,” he said.
“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.”
Police don’t believe there is a connection between the home where the baby was found and Dan.
“The occupant of that residence has just gone out to the backyard this morning and located the body of the newborn,” Det Supt Greentree said.
“That person is assisting us with our inquiries, as are the rest of the neighbours in the area who have been forthcoming.”
Resident Jan Hancock, 70, said a police officer knocked on her door about 8am and said “there’s been an incident”.
“Then (he) asked me, around the end of the little interview, he asked me if I knew if there was anyone pregnant around here,” she said.
“It didn’t even register until (I was) going over town - I thought it could have been a woman and a baby.
“I feel sorry that it’s a baby, they just said they’re looking for the mother.”
Another resident, Fiona, said: “Everybody around here is really nice and caring”.
“It’s pretty horrific … I just hope (the mother) can find some help,” she said.
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