Police concerned for welfare of mother

Police in Victoria say they are bothered about the welfare of a new mother whose baby was found dead.

Officers and an ambulance were called Wednesday night to a report of a baby found in a parking lot in the 700 block of Bay St. just before 10 p.m. Wednesday night, said Const. Terri Healy of VicPD in an interview with CBC News.

Police say it’s believed the baby had been new born, possibly in the region.

A statement from the department says investigators are worried for the welfare of the mother.

“This is a very frightening incident,” Healy said. “We’re bothered she may need medical care and other support after giving birth, and our hope is she will come forward.”

Healy said she is incapable to provide many more details, as the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit has taken over the investigation, as is typical whenever there is a “death of a doubtful nature.”

“I can’t provide any particular details, but we don’t know how the baby died at this time,” she said.

Anybody with info is asked to contact the Major Crime Unit at 250-380-6211.

A very bad tragedy’: children’s minister

B.C. Children’s Minister Mitzi Dean said the find of the deceased child was “a very bad tragedy.”

“It’s a very sad story for a local family. We want all kids and youth to be cared for securely and their families, so this is awfully heartbreaking news. My heart goes out to anyone involved with the family,” Dean said in the assembly.