08/03/2007

Contact made with family of mother suspected of abandoning baby

Irish police have revealed they have made contact with the family of a woman suspected of abandoning a baby in Australia.

Australian police had been investigating reports the young Irish woman in her 20’s had abandoned the baby in a public toilet in Surfers Paradise, Queensland on Monday.

The boy is reportedly between two and four weeks and was found wrapped in a towel in the public toilet of a shopping centre. CCTV footage has been examined by police and was broadcast on Australian television.

Calls from members of the public identified her as Irish and police believe she had boarded a flight to Ireland.

Gardai and the Department of Foreign Affairs have revealed they made contact with the woman’s family via an address she had put on immigration papers when she left Australia.

While the baby is thought to be in good health, Australian police have said they are concerned for the welfare of the mother.

(JM/SP)

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