Cooks River, Earlwood: Major update in urgent effort to identify newborn baby delivered along a Sydney riverbank
An umbilical cord recently found on the banks of a Sydney river belonged to a little boy, police have revealed.
Authorities continue to have serious welfare concerns and continue to search for the baby and its mother after an umbilical cord and placenta were found by a dog walker at Cooks River in Earlwood about 4.30pm on Monday.
Forensics have confirmed the baby is a boy and Detectives from Strike Force Wagonia are continuing to investigate the incident.
The umbilical cord found on the banks of the Cooks River (pictured) belonged to a little boy
Police are yet to confirm whether the birth took place on the river bank or elsewhere.
Sharing the update on Thursday, authorities urged the mother to go to the nearest hospital to receive urgent care for herself and her son, a sentiment strongly echoed by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.
“My heart absolutely goes out to this mother and her young baby,” he said Tuesday.
“I want to say this very clearly to her as she listens, or as her friends and family who are undoubtedly in need or listening: You are not in trouble.
‘You don’t have to talk to the police. All I ask is that you come to one of our hospitals so that we can care for you and your baby as quickly as possible.’
Police divers are seen searching the mangroves at the water’s edge
Shortly after the discovery, Chief Inspector Christine McDonald said she hoped one of the nearby homes or businesses in Earlwood had CCTV footage of the woman, or a pregnant woman in distress.
She said childbirth could be a “traumatic time” for many people and acknowledged it could be an upsetting time.
“I am very concerned for the safety and mental health of the mother,” said Chief Inspector McDonald.
“I need to know she’s safe and I need to know she’s getting the support she needs right now.”
Anyone with information or CCTV footage is urged to contact Burwood Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.