‘Deeply concerned’ for missing woman, newborn
Written by admin on May 28, 2024
Police divers are involved in a search for a woman who is believed to have given birth on the banks of a river in suburban Sydney, as the hunt for her child continues.
The alarm was raised when evidence of “the signs of birth” was found on the bank of Cooks River, near Wardell Rd, about 4.30pm on Monday
Burwood Police Area Commander Detective Chief Superintendent Christine McDonald confirmed on Tuesday police had found a placenta and an umbilical cord of a human near the river’s edge.
She said police were also investigating whether the newborn was disposed of after the birth.
“That will form part of our lines of inquiry,” Superindentand McDonald said when asked by reporters on Tuesday.
The placenta and umbilical cord had been sent to forensic testing as a priority in the hopes it could identify the mother.
Superintendent Christine McDonald said police are “deeply concerned” for the woman and her child.
“Child birth for many people can be a traumatic time,” she said.
“I am deeply concerned for the safety and mental health of the mother and also for the safety of her baby.
“I ask she comes forward to health services, to police or anyone who can offer support.
“I need to know she is safe.
“Time is very important in this scenario, we’ve obviously located a placenta and umbilical cord.
“There is no judgement, they need to know that we are concerned for them and that we are wanting to know they are safe.
“Childbirth requires a lot of health concerns.”
Superintendent McDonald said a blood detection dog has since arrived on scene to assist the investigation.
Police divers are also searching the mangroves and waters edge of the Cook River and the crime scene investigation unit has been recalled to the site.
Three suburbs converge where that road and river meet; police are asking anyone in the areas of Wardell Rd and Lang Rd, Earlwood, and Tennent Parade, Hurlstone Park and Ewen Park, Hurlstone Park on Monday afternoon, or who saw a woman in distress to contact Burwood Police or Crime Stoppers.
Superintendent McDonald urged anyone who has information should contact police.
“The gestation period is unknown, how long it was down by the river is unknown,” she said.
“There’s a lot of unknowns at the moment that’s why we’re asking anyone to come forward.”
A police spokeswoman said searches would continue on Tuesday.
“Police hold serious concerns for the welfare of the child and its mother,” police say in a statement.
“Detectives have established a crime scene and have launched an investigation into the incident.”
A golf course, multiple sporting fields, a large playground and a kayak launching jetty are all in the immediate vicinity.
A resident walking his dog found what police believed to be placenta and an umbilical cord.
Police said tests on the organs revealed it was human matter.
Police have urged the mother to attend a hospital to receive urgent care for herself and her child.
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