Mom Charged After Allegedly Concealing Her Dead Newborn Baby in a Storm Drain: Police

A mother has been charged after allegedly hiding the body of her newborn son, who was discovered in a storm drain in Australia.

On Monday, Aug. 18, maintenance workers conducting routine checks at Alexander Heights on La Salle Road in suburban Perth found the infant’s body that afternoon, according to local news outlets 7 News, ABC News and News.com, citing WA Police.

Authorities say there are no signs of violent circumstances, and evidence indicates the baby had been in the drain for only a short time before being found wrapped in a sheet.

A 31-year-old woman, identified as the child’s mother, was charged with concealing the birth of a deceased child after being located by detectives on Wednesday, 7 News and The Guardian reported.

“The woman is continuing to receive appropriate care and support,” Detective Acting Inspector Jessica Securo said. “We’re extremely lucky that the two tradesmen came across that child. As you can imagine, it is a highly distressing and confronting thing for anyone to encounter, and we’re just thankful that the tradesmen alerted police as quickly as they did.”

Securo noted that due to the mother’s vulnerable situation, the priority has been ensuring she receives medical care and mental health support.

While the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death continues, Securo confirmed the mother is cooperating. “Our priority is to give her both that physical and health support,” she said.

Police are also seeking assistance from the public, medical centers, and reviewing CCTV footage, according to News.com.

Ahead of a vigil scheduled for Saturday, flowers and stuffed toys have been placed near the location where the child was found.

The mother is expected to appear at Perth Magistrates Court on Sept. 12, 7 News reported.

“I can’t answer at this stage if charges will be upgraded or not as the investigation is still in its early stages,” Securo said, according to ABC News.

WA Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Friday, Aug. 22.