Middlemore Hospital newborn death: Infant found in toilets, police supporting family as investigation continues

Police are investigating after a baby was found dead at Middlemore Hospital on Wednesday. Photo / NZME

WARNING: this story may be upsetting to some people.

Authorities are working to establish whether a baby found dead at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital was stillborn or died after it was concealed in a bin soon after birth.

The newborn was found within the hospital on Wednesday morning.

Police are limited in what they can say about the death as their investigation is in its early stages.

The Herald has been told the infant was found in a toilet rubbish bin.

It is understood the mother had been taken to hospital by family members shortly before the baby was born.

It is unclear if they knew about her pregnancy.

A post mortem was carried out yesterday in a bid to find out if the baby was stillborn or died after birth.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward said the death was still "unexplained" and it might be some time before there were any conclusive answers.

He said the post mortem had been completed but "further testing" needed to be conducted before the baby's cause of death could be confirmed.

Police would not be drawn on the circumstances of the baby's family.

"Police are working closely with the mother of the child and her family at this extremely difficult time for them," Hayward said.

"This investigation is very sensitive in nature and police are not in a position to provide any further details."

He said "a number" of inquiries were underway.

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