Hutt Valley Police investigating death of newborn baby girl

Hutt Valley Police are investigating the death of a newborn baby, discovered at a Taita Drive property earlier today.

Hutt Valley Tactical Response Manager Inspector Shane Cotter says Police received a call around 10:30am this morning from a woman who discovered a deceased newborn baby girl wrapped in a towel at the back of her property.

"Obviously the resident was shocked and distressed at what she had found. Our biggest concern at this time is the health and well-being of the mother of this baby girl and whether or not she has received any immediate medical attention post birth."

Inspector Cotter says the baby girl appears to be no older than 24 hours old.

"A post-mortem examination will be carried out on Wednesday morning. This will help determine if she was alive at the time of her birth or not."

A scene examination at the address has been underway today.

"Our priority right now is on finding the mother of this wee girl and ensuring she does not have any medical complications as a result of the birth. I appeal to this woman to come forward and speak with us as soon as possible."

Inspector Cotter says often in these cases, a mother has concealed a pregnancy from family and friends.

"We appeal to anyone who may know a woman in the Hutt Valley area who has been large and lost a significant amount of weight in the past couple of days. It's important this woman receives the medical attention she requires as soon as possible."

Anyone with any information should contact Hutt Valley Police on (04) 560 2600 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.