Police search after placenta found on Sydney river bank

There are “extreme concerns” for a new mother and baby as police continue an urgent search after an umbilical cord and a placenta were found by a riverbank in Sydney’s inner west.

At about 4.30pm on Monday emergency services were called to the bank of the Cooks River near Wardell Road, Earlwood, after a passer by walking his dog reported finding evidence of a birth.

“Subsequently, we’ve conducted some forensic examinations over the last couple of hours and I can confirm that a placenta and umbilical cord of a human has been located,” Superintendent Christine McDonald said on Monday.

The organs were located amid mangroves in an area police described as “particularly muddy”.

Police are now 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.

Police on Monday night commenced a search of the area, which continued on Tuesday morning with police divers.

Superintendent McDonald told media on Tuesday morning officers have located a particular area where they plan on carrying out further examination.

“We have police divers currently searching the mangroves and waters edge of the Cooks River,” she said.

“We have located an area we need to do further forensic examination.”

A blood detection dog has also arrived on the scene and is yet to be deployed.

The placenta and umbilical cord have been sent for priority testing to potentially determine the gender of the child and how long the organs were down by the river, Superintendent McDonald said.

The woman’s identity remains unknown.

Superintendent McDonald could not comment on whether the umbilical cord had been cut.

The position of the umbilical cord and placenta meant it was unlikely to have been thrown from the nearby road bridge.

A rising tide on the Cooks River is also raising concerns evidence could be washed away.

“We are working against the clock in relation to the tidal flow of the river hence why the search patterns have to be reflective of that.”

Concerns for mother and baby

Superintendent McDonald said police hold “extreme concerns” for the mother.

“I am deeply concerned for the safety and mental health of the mother and also for the safety of her baby,” she said.

“I ask that she come forward to health services, the police, to anyone that can offer her any form of support during this difficult time.”

When asked if there was chance the mother might not what others to know about the birth or might feel uncomfortable coming forward, Superintendent McDonald said: “that certainly is a possibility”.

She assured there was “no judgement” towards the mother.

“They need to know we are concerned for them. We are wanting to know they are safe … Childbirth presents a number of health concerns which is why we are hoping the mother goes straight to a hospital and speaks to professionals.”

Police have asked anyone who was near Lange Road or Wardell Road in Earlwood or Ewen Park and Tennent Parade in Hurlstone Parade on Monday to come forward if they have information.

They have also asked that CCTV from homes and businesses be reviewed to see if a woman in distress can be seen.

“(There are) a lot of unknowns at the moment but (that’s) why we are asking anyone with information … to help us with this investigation because we have extreme concerns and we want this resolved quickly.”

“Time is important in this scenario … The mother would be in some form of discomfort I would imagine.”

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Burwood Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Read related topics:Sydney