Police search for mother after newborn baby's body found in Sydney bin

Police are searching for a mother after the body of a newborn baby boy was found in a bin in Sydney's west.

Emergency services were called to Harrow Road, Auburn, at 11:20am on Monday after reports a baby's body was found in a garbage bin.

Acting Superintendent of the Auburn Police Area Command Darren Sly told reporters a member of the public was using the garbage bins when she located the baby.

"It's very traumatic for that particular lady who found that baby," he said.

Superintendent Sly said the unclothed baby boy's body was found in a plastic bag and placed in the bin of a unit block.

He said investigations were continuing into whether the baby had been born alive and the body may have been inside the bin for up to 36 hours.

"My officers are professional, they'll do their jobs but like anybody they're human," Superintendent Sly said.

"We're talking a newborn baby here … you're going to have feelings about it … we will assist those police in anyway that we can."

Concern for mother's welfare

Officers have set up a crime scene and urged the baby's mother to come forward.

Asked whether the mother would face police action, Superintendent Sly said the officers' focus was on the mother's welfare.

"If there was to be any police action that is not our priority whatsoever, our only priority at the moment is for the welfare of that mother," he said.

Police have urged the mother to attend her nearest hospital to receive urgent care for herself.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Auburn Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.