Police are today releasing images of two pieces of clothing found with a deceased baby at a reserve in Mangere Bridge yesterday morning.
Following a post-mortem this morning, it is believed the baby boy is of either Maori or Pacific ethnicity and had likely been at the reserve for less than 48-hours.
The results from the preliminary post-mortem are still inconclusive as to whether the baby was still-born.
Forensic testing is underway in an attempt to identify the mother or father. This is expected to take some time, possibly weeks.
Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Bright says Police have received a number of phone calls from the community, however we are still to identify the mother of the child. We continue to have serious concerns for her mental and physical well-being and are urging her to contact police so we can make sure she is okay.
“The items of clothing pictured were what the baby was wrapped in when he was found by a member of the public yesterday morning. We hope that somebody will recognise the clothing, whether that be a family member or friend and that they will urgently get in touch with us,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Bright.
“We are continuing to make enquiries in the Counties Manukau area including visiting local high-schools. We still have a number of unanswered questions, and we need members of the public to come forward and assist police so we can established the events leading up to the baby boy being placed in the reserve.”
If you have any information that can assist police, then we ask that you contact the Counties Manukau Crime Squad on 09 261 1321. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Detective Senior Sergeant Bright will hold a brief media advisory at Manukau Police Station at 3pm. Media are asked to wait in reception.
ENDS
Shelley Nahr/NZ Police
