Flowers and toys have been left where a newborn baby was found in a storm drain.
BREAKING: A newborn baby boy was tragically discovered dead in a stormwater drain in Perth on Monday, October 23, 2023, prompting an urgent police investigation. The heartbreaking find occurred around 1 PM as workers were clearing drains on La Salle Rd in Alexander Heights.
Authorities report that the baby was likely “placed in that drain” within the past few days, raising serious concerns for the welfare of his mother. Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Cleal stated, “There is no evidence to suggest that that little boy was washed through the drain,” indicating a deliberate act.
The Homicide Squad is leading the investigation, with forensic examinations already underway. “We’re trying to bring a resolution to this investigation,” Cleal said during a press briefing. He emphasized the priority is to locate the child’s mother, expressing serious concerns for her health. “If you are that mother, please come forward and make yourself known to police. We would love to help you,” he urged.
As the investigation unfolds, flowers and toys have been left by community members at the scene, reflecting the profound sorrow felt by local residents. One shocked resident noted, “Having to actually physically be in the area where you know just a poor, innocent infant was found dead is just heartbreaking.”
The cause of death remains under investigation, with authorities actively reaching out to local hospitals and medical centers for assistance. Cleal described the situation as “highly distressing and confronting” for the workers who stumbled upon this tragic scene during routine maintenance. “This was a chance discovery,” he explained, highlighting the shock experienced by those involved.
Police are also calling for any potential witnesses in the area to come forward. “We’re looking for CCTV footage not just of that drain but any suspicious activity around the area,” Cleal stated, urging the public to share any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
In response to the heartbreaking event, WA Premier Roger Cook described it as a “horrible, horrible series of events,” resonating deeply with the community’s sense of humanity. “A small child whose life has passed under tragic circumstances goes to the heart of everyone’s sense of humanity,” he remarked.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers as the investigation continues to develop. This shocking discovery has left the community in mourning, and the urgency for answers grows as police work around the clock to solve this tragic case.
