NSW police search for mother after newborn baby abandoned in Sydney’s west

The discovery of a baby girl abandoned in Sydney’s west has sparked a search for her mother.

Emergency services were called to a home in Blacktown about 2.40pm on Friday, NSW police said.

Officers attached to Blacktown police area command responded and found the infant, who was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and then taken to Blacktown hospital for further assessment.

The baby, believed to be just days old, is believed to have been left at the location between 12.30pm and 2.40pm on Friday.

The choice of location is believed to be “completely random” and the mother had no connection to the property, a NSW police spokesperson said.

Detectives have since obtained CCTV footage from nearby residents showing a car pull up, which they believe could be helpful in identifying those involved.

The family who made the discovery told police they heard a noise outside before finding the baby girl. They had moved in a week ago.

A police operation is now under way with officers conducting inquiries to locate the mother and appealing for information from the public.

Police say they are concerned for the mother’s welfare and urged the woman to contact available mental health services or authorities.

“We’re really concerned about her health,” acting inspector David McInerney from Blacktown police told reporters on Saturday.

“Childbirth can be quite traumatic and we’re worried for her safety and wellbeing, both physically and mentally. We’re trying to help her.

“It’s very concerning, but she’s not in any trouble from police. I want to stress that.

“We’re appealing to her to come forward, to get some help, and let us help her.”

The baby was still at Blacktown hospital on Saturday, and will be cared for by the Department of Communities and Justice after she is discharged.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

source: theguardian.com