Baby taken by father found

Police have found the five-month-old baby girl taken by her father in Wellington yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Tim Leitch said Edward Milne, 19, and his daughter were both found at an address in the Hastings suburb of Flaxmere shortly after noon today.

The baby was in good health and was being cared for by Child Youth and Family while arrangements were made to reunite her with her mother.

Mr Milne was being interviewed by Hastings CIB about yesterday's events, Mr Leitch said.

No decision had been made yet as to whether any criminal charges would be laid against him.

Earlier police said Mr Milne, who is from Auckland, used his bank account at a Post Shop in Flaxmere at 9.20am today.

At the time he did not have his daughter with him and it was assumed a friend, family member or associate in Flaxmere was caring for the baby.

Mr Milne was not an experienced parent and the principal concern of police had been for the baby, Mr Leitch said.

Mr Milne's daughter lives with her mother in the Johnsonville/Newlands area of Wellington.

- NZPA