Police said emergency services were called to the bank of the Cooks River near Wardell Road in Earlwood at 4.30pm today after evidence was found that suggested a baby had been born there.

Police are investigating, saying they “hold serious concerns for the welfare of the child and its mother”.

“Officers attached to Burwood Police Area Command arrived to find evidence that a child had been born near the water,” police said.

Officers are urging the mother to attend her nearest hospital to receive urgent care for herself and her child.

Burwood Superintendent Christine McDonald said police had conducted urgent forensic tests.

“Our immediate concern is for the health and safety of the mother and child.”

Police were bringing in lights and would search the area overnight amid concerns the rising tide might wash away evidence.

Police are appealing for anyone with any CCTV footage or other information to get in touch.