Abandoned newborn baby found in suburban yard

A newborn baby has been rushed to hospital after being found in the backyard 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 garden.

A 22-year-old woman from a nearby address has also been taken to hospital for treatment.

“Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing,” police said.

Ambulance Victoria said paramedics went to the house and that a woman and the baby were taken to Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Sunshine, where they remained in a stable condition on Thursday afternoon.

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.

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

Just before 2.15pm, an unmarked white police van arrived at the scene.

Forensic officers wearing face masks and gloves could be seen going into the backyard of one of the homes and photographing the front of the property.

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.

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.

Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.