Remains of newborn baby girl found on Melbourne beach

The remains of a baby found by a passer-by on a Melbourne beach have been confirmed to be that of a newborn girl.

The body was discovered at Seaford, on a beach adjacent to Nepean Highway, around 4.30pm yesterday, Victoria Police said in a statement.

The umbilical cord and placenta were both present with the body.

Tests have been undertaken to try and better ascertain a timeframe in which the infant may have died. However according to preliminary estimates, she likely passed away in the past three to 10 days.

There are concerns for the health and wellbeing of the baby's mother, and police are asking her to make contact as soon as possible.

"At this stage she is yet to be located and ensuring her wellbeing is the primary focus of the current investigation," police said.

"The exact circumstances surrounding the death and the identity of the infant are yet to be determined at this stage."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.