A newborn baby girl was found dead in a shopping bag by the roadside in the German town of Beckum, according to local reports.
Passersby discovered the infant’s body six days ago, prompting police to launch an investigation, appeal for witnesses and release two photographs from the scene.
According to initial findings, investigators believe the baby was left on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Alter Hammweg, southeast of Münster. The identity of the mother, who had given birth shortly before, remains unknown.
The baby was found inside a shopping bag from a furniture store, which had a smiley-face symbol printed on it.
An autopsy has not established a clear cause of death. Investigators are now working to determine the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death, including whether a homicide took place.
