A dead baby found in a south Auckland park has police imploring the mother to come forward, in an attempt to fast-track their investigation.
Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Bright says while they will continue carrying out enquiries with residents in the area, the priority is locating the baby's mother.
"We're actively looking for the baby's mother to come to us, so we can offer her and her family support," she said.
Police say the infant was found by a member of the public in a reserve on Mona Ave, Mangere Bridge, around 8:30am on Thursday.
They are yet to confirm the baby's exact age but it may be a newborn, as police say they believe it is a recent birth.
The baby has been removed from the scene, and a post-mortem will be carried out on Friday.
The scene has been cordoned off for a forensic examination, which is expected to take some time.
Police have cordoned off the scene (Wil Shrimpton / Newshub.)
Neighbour Andrew Fong told Newshub there are often parties and people drinking in the reserve, but Wednesday night was quiet.
He says people use the park as a dumping ground for all kinds of things.
"People dump their cats, their dogs, kittens, everything from TVs to couches. It's a good place to dump stuff, isn't it?
"But it's a human being. You treat people differently from animals. I've rescued kittens and puppies from the back, but it's a kid."
Police would like to speak to anyone who might know what's happened. They say anyone coming forward "can do so in confidence, and we would reiterate that our main concern as this stage is the welfare of the mother".
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Counties Manukau Police on (09) 261 1321, or to anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
