Decision on charges over dead baby may be months away

Police say it may be several months before a decision is made about whether charges are laid in relation to the death of a newborn baby at a rural Te Puke property.

The baby's 17-year-old mother concealed the pregnancy and gave birth without medical support on Friday.

Police began investigating after the baby girl's body was taken to Tauranga Hospital on Saturday by family members.

The officer in charge of the case, Senior Sergeant Rob Glencross, said yesterday that preliminary results from an autopsy had been inconclusive and further work was required. He said police would need to seek expert medical and legal advice before the inquiry could be completed. "Given the complexity of the issues it may be several months before those aspects are finalised."

Arrangements were being made to return the baby's body to the family.