Baby's body found on side of rural road in Marlborough

Police are searching for the family of an infant whose body was found on the side of a rural road in Marlborough yesterday.

The road was closed off yesterday afternoon after a machinery operator found the baby's body shortly before 1.30am.

Inspector Simon Feltham, Marlborough Area Commander said police were working to establish what happened to the child.

He said they were "extremely concerned" about the welfare of the mother and wider family of the infant.

"Police would like to speak with them as soon as possible to ensure they receive the support that they require at this time."

Feltham said a scene examination was completed today, and Wairau Bar Road has since re-opened to the public.

He asked for anybody who had any information to contact police by phoning 105 or online at 105.police.govt.nz.

In response to the death, Rangitāne o Wairau and Ngāti Rārua laid a rāhui on a section of Wairau Bar Road, between Ferry Road and Dicks Road this morning, to allow police and investigators to carry out their work.

The rāhui remains in place and iwi ask that the area be avoided until it is lifted.

"We want to acknowledge the tragic nature of this event and we share the concerns for the māmā and whanau, and encourage anybody with information to contact police."

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