Police give major update after newborn baby found in storm drain

A newborn baby boy was horrifically found dead inside a storm drain as police issue an update on the tragic case.

Tradesmen made the grim discovery while they were clearing the drains, in a routine visit. on Monday afternoon, in Perth, Australia. Police had launched a desperate search for the mother amid "serious concerns" for her welfare. This comes as cops gave a major update in the tragic case, adding that the baby could have been placed in the drain days earlier. Police revealed a woman in her 30s is assisting them with the investigation but they have not shared if she is the mother of the dead baby.

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Police in Perth said the woman was receiving "appropriate care and support" in a statement on Wednesday night. Cops added: "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." Det Sen Sgt Stephen Cleal, on Tuesday, said there was no evidence the baby had been washed through the drain system.

"What we believe is that the baby was placed in that drain." It is unclear if the baby had already died before being put in the drain or if he passed away while in the network.

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch called the horror incident "an unimaginable situation" and said detectives have been working around the clock, reviewing CCTV, forensic evidence, eyewitness accounts, and calls to Crime Stoppers.

Blanch said: "Our thoughts go out to the mother, not only are there concerns about the mother’s health, but also the mental health and families surrounding the mother.

"That’s why Steve actually called out for the mother to come forward, because I think health is the first thing that we all think of in this situation, as tragic as it is for that baby boy."

The police commissioner said detectives had come up with "some leads" after looking through CCTV footage. He added: "As always, with Crime Stoppers and people ringing up, there are lots of things that people have seen.

"The job now is to sift through which ones may be relevant and which ones may not. They will follow everything down, so my message continues to be to our community, even if it doesn’t seem relevant. If you’re in the area, just ring up Crime Stoppers and tell us what you saw."

Locals in the northern suburb of Perth where the tragic discovery was made, Alexander Heights, have placed touching tributes near the sad scene. A candlelit vigil is also due to take place for the baby boy in Saturday night.

One local, speaking to Seven News, said: "Having to physically be in the area where a poor innocent infant is just heartbreaking."