Abandoned newborn baby found in suburban yard

A newborn baby has been rushed to hospital after being discovered by a passer-by in the yard of a home in Melbourne’s north-west.

Emergency services were called to the home on Copernicus Way in Keilor Downs just before 8am on Thursday, after the infant was reportedly found in the yard.

“The baby and a woman from a nearby address were taken to hospital for treatment,” police said.

“Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.”

Ambulance Victoria said advanced life support and mobile intensive care paramedics were called to the house, before the woman and the baby were taken to Sunshine Hospital.

Police tape surrounded the home and a neighbouring property on Thursday morning. An SES tent was set up to cover two bloodied towels that were left on the nature strip.

A second SES tent was set up in the backyard of one of the homes.

SES volunteers and detectives were seen coming in and out of a home on nearby Dion Street. Police tape blocked access to the property’s driveway.

Seff Fajardo, who lives a couple of doors up, said he woke to the sound of sirens just after 8am on Thursday.

“I heard ambulance and sirens blaring in the morning,” he said. “And then I saw the ambulance, the police, and then I heard about the lady and the baby [that had been] abandoned,” he said.

“[Police] were rushing in … everyone was panicking. When I heard about that, I felt awful. Why do these things happen?”

Dion Street remained blocked off to the public on Thursday afternoon.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

More to come.

Anyone needing support can contact National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732); Lifeline 131 114; Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.

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