Police are appealing for the public's assistance following a tragic discovery at Stockton this morning.
Emergency services were called to a home on Church Street around 7 o'clock, where the body of a newborn baby had been found abandoned in the backyard.
Police hold grave concerns for the child's mother, who may need to seek urgent medical treatment.
A police operation is still underway at the home and a post-mortem examination will be conducted to establish the baby's age and cause of death.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Anyone with information about the baby or the mother is urged to contact Newcastle detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
