Woman charged after newborn baby found dead in Sydney bin

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Police have charged a woman weeks after a newborn baby was found dead in a bin in Sydney’s west.

The 24-year-old, who police believe to be the baby’s mother, was arrested on Thursday.

Officers had been investigating since the baby boy was found dead in a rubbish bin on Harrow Road in Auburn about 11.20am on August 31.

A crime scene was set up and detectives launched Strike Force Alenor.

The discovery prompted a public appeal to find the child’s mother.

About 6.45am on Thursday, NSW Police said following extensive inquiries officers executed a crime scene warrant at a unit on Harrow Road.

“A short time later, police spoke with a 24-year-old woman – who is believed to be the mother of the infant – at another address in Auburn before she was taken to hospital for assessment,” police said.

“Upon release from hospital, the woman was arrested and taken to Auburn police station.

“The 24-year-old was charged with mother alone conceal birth by disposing body.”

The woman was granted conditional bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court next month.

Speaking to reporters on the day the baby was found, acting Superintendent Darren Sly said police were searching for the mother and insisted that their priority was her health and wellbeing.

“If there was to be any police action, that is not our priority whatsoever,” Sly said.

“Our only priority at the moment is for the welfare of that mother and ensuring that she does go immediately to a hospital.”