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Newborn with umbilical cord still attached found by 9-year-old playing in backyard

Posted at 10:38 AM, Jul 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-12 10:38:01-04

LOWELL, Ind.-- Police are investigating after a baby was found abandoned in northwest Indiana on Monday.

WGN-TV reports the newborn was found by a 9-year-old girl along the 18000 block of White Oak Avenue around 11 a.m. as the girl was playing in her backyard. Police told WGN The baby was wrapped in a black towel, with the umbilical cord and placenta still attached.

Temperatures at that time were nearing 90 degrees.

The baby was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover. The child's mother has not been located.

The sheriff believes the newborn may have been left in the yard sometime overnight.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Report-A-Crime Hotline at 1-800-750-2746.

Under the Indiana Safe Haven Law, a child between the ages of 1-30 days may be securely placed into the hands of authorities at a Fire Station, Police Station or Hospital Emergency Room if the parents feel they are unable to properly care for that child. No questions will be asked and all parties may remain anonymous.