Freeman’s Bay homicide – newborn baby’s body found in wheelie bin

Police are continuing the investigation launched following the discovery of human remains in Freeman’s Bay overnight.

Further information is being released in the early stage of the investigation.

“Sadly, I can confirm the deceased is a newborn baby, and they were discovered in a wheelie bin outside an address,” Detective Inspector Scott Beard, of Auckland City CIB, says.

“A woman is in custody and Police are speaking with her to establish the circumstances around what has occurred.”

Police is not looking for anyone else in connection with the matter.

“This is a tragedy for everyone concerned and there is a person’s wellbeing to consider here alongside the investigation, so we will ensure the woman gets the support she needs.

“Police acknowledge this will understandably be quite confronting information for the community to grapple with.”

A post-mortem is ongoing today to determine the next steps in the investigation.

“The result is not yet known, and Police will provide further updates as the investigation allows,” Detective Inspector Beard says.

“We would ask the public to avoid speculation given what has occurred and allow investigators to carry out their work.”

Police will be carrying out an area canvass as part of the investigation.

“We will be seeking CCTV from residents in the street and also searching other wheelie bins in order to secure any additional evidence that may be relevant to the investigation.”

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the file number 250630/9878 and quote ‘Operation Yarrow’.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-nz.org.

Image credit: Joshua Coleman