A desperate search is underway for the mother of a baby boy who was found dead in a stormwater drain, where he is believed to have been for two weeks.
Tradesmen made the horrifying discovery while cleaning a drain on La Salle Road in the peaceful Perth suburb of Alexander Heights on Monday afternoon.
Homicide squad detectives have taken charge of the investigation and worked throughout the night in a tireless effort to gather evidence.
Police believe the newborn, found wrapped in a sheet, was not washed into the drain but was placed there.
Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Cleal told reporters on Tuesday police had ‘serious concerns’ about the baby’s mother.
‘It is a priority of the homicide squad to identify the mother of that child,’ he said.
‘We have serious concerns for the mother’s health, the mother’s welfare, and that is a priority for us.’
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook said on Tuesday morning the baby boy was believed to have been inside the drain for about a fortnight.
The body of a baby was found in a stormwater drain by tradesmen in an northern Perth suburb on Monday afternoon
Police have deployed multiple resources to Alexander Heights (pictured) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery
‘Those workers that discovered the child’s body were confronted with the most distressing of circumstances,’ he said.
‘My heart goes out to everyone involved in this horrible, horrible series of events.
‘This goes to the heart of everyone’s sense of humanity, a small child whose life has passed under tragic circumstances.’
Detective Senior Sergeant Cleal added the workmen responsible for the discovery were clearing the drains of debris and assessing for blockages at the time.
‘It was by coincidence that they were there,’ he said, adding it was a ‘shocking and confronting scene’ for the tradesmen.
‘There was no information that sent workers to that drain. This was a chance discovery. They were very unprepared.
‘Not that you can prepare for a discovery like this, but they were very unprepared.’
He said police were working with hospitals and medical centres to determine whether the mother had presented to them for assistance.
The body was discovered in a drain about 17km from Perth’s CBD
Neighbours have left flowers and toys at the scene.
Alexander Heights resident David Bigwood told ABC News he was devastated to learn about the discovery.
There are six stormwater drains along the short suburban street.
Houses can be found on the northern side of La Salle Road while a nature reserve runs along the southern side.
Anyone with information is advised to call police.
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