A significant police search effort is underway after the discovery of a placenta and umbilical cord along the banks of the Cooks River in Earlwood, southwest Sydney. At around 4:30 PM on Monday, a man walking his dog reported the findings, prompting emergency services to begin a large-scale search, which continued through the night.

On Tuesday morning, Detective Chief Superintendent Christine McDonald announced that a blood-detection dog had joined the search. Police divers thoroughly inspected the river’s mangroves and edges, with further forensic examinations planned for an identified area of interest.

McDonald highlighted concerns for the wellbeing of the mother and newborn, describing childbirth as potentially distressing and traumatic. The health and safety of both the mother and baby are primary concerns as the investigation seeks to determine whether the baby was born at the site or elsewhere and the circumstances surrounding the detachment of the umbilical cord.

Authorities are appealing to the public for any information regarding sightings of a distressed or pregnant woman in the vicinity of the Cooks River area. The placenta and umbilical cord have been sent for priority testing to provide additional insights into the case.