Warning: This story contains graphic content that may be upsetting.
A baby found dead in the parking lot of a Victoria shopping plaza Wednesday night has sparked concern for the well-being of the newborn’s mother, police say.
Officers and paramedics were called to the Blanshard Street Centre plaza between Bay Street and Kings Road just before 10 p.m. for a report from someone who found the baby’s body.
Vancouver Island Major Integrated Crime Unit (VIIMCU) has taken the lead on the investigation.
Police believe the child was recently born and likely somewhere nearby the scene of the discovery.
“Investigators are concerned for the welfare of the mother who may need medical care and support,” police said in a news release Thursday morning.
This is a breaking news update. Original story follows.
A Subway restaurant was behind police tape at Victoria’s Blanshard Centre shopping plaza overnight as officers examined the scene of a yet-to-be-revealed incident.
Officers in white Hazmat suits could be seen Thursday morning documenting the area around the Subway in the Blanshard Centre plaza, but police have not provided any clues as to what they’re searching for.
Security cameras at CHEK, located across the street from the Subway, appeared to show police cordoning off part of the plaza Wednesday night at around 10 p.m.
After investigators went inside the Subway at around 9:40 a.m., the police line was taken down at 10:08 a.m., a little over 12 hours after it went up.
A detective at the scene Thursday told a CHEK News reporter a release would be coming shortly from Victoria Police Department.
A green garbage bin outside of the Subway was also behind police tape.
Employees of nearby businesses including a music store and Domino’s pizza location said they were told they could not yet open their businesses and were unsure if they’d be able to open at all Thursday.
This is a developing story. It will be updated with the latest information as it’s received.
Jeff Lawrence
