Baby found dead on property in Auckland’s Ōtara

Detectives and forensic specialists have pounced on the social housing flats where a dead baby was found in south Auckland.

Manukau County Police Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin said officers are investigating the unexplained death and are speaking with a man.

He said police were called to the property on Sandbrook Ave, Ōtara, after 10 a.m. Thursday.

There are two floors in the unit owned by Kaianga Ora, both of which are understood to be occupied by young couples with young children.

Neighbors said they didn’t hear anything strange during the night or in the morning.

No one knew the young couple who lived there, but said the baby appeared to be less than a year old.

Police have cordoned off the property and are turning their attention to the flat closest to the road.

They are working inside the floor with specialized forensic equipment. Inside you could see a stroller.

A young couple with a baby left the other floor in their car shortly before 3 in the afternoon.

There is a scene guard in place, but a scene survey has not been done yet.