Australian police hunting for a woman thought to have abandoned a new-born baby in a public toilet believe they have traced her to Ireland.
The baby boy was between two and four weeks old and found on Monday morning (Australian time) in a shopping centre toilet in the tourist town of Surfers' Paradise on the Gold Coast.
The baby was discovered wrapped in a towel inside a cotton bag. The child was taken into care and is in good health.
Queensland police issued a public appeal for information and released CCTV footage of a woman they believe may have abandoned the baby.
Information they received yesterday led them to believe that she had travelled to Ireland.
There have been reports that the young woman has been contacted but the Garda and the Department of Foreign Affairs say they have no information about the investigation.
Australia's Courier Mailwebsite reports that Interpol and Australian Federal Police are investigating.
The website quoted a Gold Coast police officer saying a local newspaper had been contacted by a man who said the woman was from Ireland.
"We have received information from the public about the possible identity of the woman and are following up a strong line of inquiry," Superintendent Jim Keogh is quoted saying.
The site also quoted police sources saying the baby's mother was unlikely to be charged.
Acting Detective Inspector Mark White said in a statement his main concern was for the well-being of the baby's mother.
"The fact the baby is very young could mean that the mother is also in need of further medical assistance, may be struggling emotionally and in need of help.
"The baby has been cared for and was left with essential items and a place where he was likely to be found quickly, and more than likely, by a woman," Acting Det Insp White said.