A newborn baby girl has been found dead on a Melbourne beach as police continue to search for the infant's mother.
The baby's body was found by a passer-by at Seaford, in Melbourne's outer south-east, on Wednesday afternoon.
It was located on the beach, which is beside the Nepean Highway, about 4:30pm.
The circumstances surrounding the death, and the baby's identity, are not yet known.
The umbilical cord and placenta were both found with the body.
Victoria Police said tests were still being carried out to determine when the baby girl died but it was likely during the past three to 10 days.
Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said police were still investigating the death.
"It's an active investigation. We haven't yet identified any persons involved," he said.
"The forensic investigation still needs to occur."
In a press release, Victoria Police said officers held "serious concerns for the health and welfare of the baby's mother".
"At this stage she is yet to be located and ensuring her wellbeing is the primary focus of the current investigation," a police spokeswoman said.
They are asking the woman to contact police as soon as possible.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
