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Baby boy found dead in Perth stormwater drain placed there in recent days, police say

Police have revealed new details into the heartbreaking suburban discovery.

Newborn found dead in Perth stormwater drain

Baby boy found dead in Perth stormwater drain placed there in recent days, police say

Police have revealed new details into the heartbreaking suburban discovery.

An infant child found dead in a stormwater drain was a newborn baby boy, police confirmed as they issued an appeal to his mother.

The heartbreaking discovery was made by “chance” as tradies cleared drains in Perth’s north about 1pm on Monday.

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Police believe the child was “placed in that drain” on La Salle Rd in Alexander Heights “only in recent days”.

Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Cleal said the infant was a little baby boy.

“I can also advise that evidence suggests it is a newborn child,” Cleal said.

“There is no evidence to suggest that that little boy was washed through the drain.”

The Homicide Squad is leading the investigation, working through the night and Tuesday morning to “try and bring a resolution to this investigation”.

“There’s been a forensic examination at that scene, which includes inside the storm water drain, and those investigations and analysis of forensic evidence is ongoing,” Cleal said.

The priority for police is to identify the child’s mother.

“We have serious concerns for the mother’s health, the mother’s welfare,” Cleal said.

“If you are watching, if you are listening, if you are that mother, please come forward and make yourself known to police.

“We would love to help you.”

Flowers and toys have been left where a newborn baby was found in a storm drain.
Flowers and toys have been left where a newborn baby was found in a storm drain. Credit: 7NEWS
Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Cleal said the infant was a little baby boy.
Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Cleal said the infant was a little baby boy. Credit: 7NEWS

Flowers and toys have been left at the scene as a tribute to the boy.

“Having to actually physically be in the area where you know just a poor, innocent ... infant (was found dead) is just heartbreaking,” one shocked resident said.

The child’s cause of death remains unclear.

Authorities have reached out to hospitals and medical centres as part of their investigation.

‘This was a chance discovery’

Cleal said it was a “highly distressing and confronting situation” for the workers who found the boy, first responders and the community.

“(The tradies) were clearing the drains in the area of any debris or checking for blockages. It was routine work,” he said.

“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.”

Police are spoken to local residents and have appealed for information.

“We’re looking for CCTV (of) the area, not just specifically of that drain itself, obviously we are interested in that, but any movement, any suspicious activity in the area, any information that anyone has,” Cleal said.

“Whether you believe it’s significant or not, please let us know and let us decide if it’s relevant or not.”

WA Premier Roger Cook said it was a “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,” he said.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers.

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