Waikato police find human placentas

File photo / Martin Sykes

Waikato police are investigating the gruesome discovery of two human placentas, which they suspect may belong to twins.

They are appealing for information from the public so they can make sure the mother and children are safe and well.

Officers found the placentas on Tuesday in a creek bed in the Te Toto Gorge, south west of Raglan, said Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Whitehead.

"At this stage the police are working on the presumption that the placentas are from the birth of a set of twins.

"To dispose of a placenta is not an offence, the issue for police is the need for us to determine the safety and well-being of the babies and mother," he said.

The primary focus of the investigation was to make sure the people involved were safe, but police also needed to establish whether a crime had been committed or not.

The placentas appeared to have been only "exposed to the elements" for a short time, he said.

Mr Whitehead said initial enquires had excluded all recorded twin births at Waikato Hospital within the likely time frame

Detectives are working to identify the mother by making inquiries with medical service providers.

Mr Whitehead appealed for people to come forward with any information about the placentas and their disposal.

"It is important that we quickly establish the identity of the people involved to ensure they are safe. If there is an innocent explanation the family's privacy will be respected," he said.

- NZPA