The individual responsible for abandoning a newborn early on Monday near the Leiria Firefighters’ headquarters has been identified as the mother, a 27-year-old woman, confirmed by the PSP.
The Police of Public Security (PSP) in Leiria verified the information, stating that the woman has been identified, located, and named as a suspect.
Further confirmation to Notícias ao Minuto from a PSP Leiria source underscored that the identified person is the newborn’s mother, who is presently being questioned at the police station.
The baby, a boy, was discovered by an on-duty firefighter inside a shopping bag with milk and diapers beside him.
The incident occurred at 3:57 a.m. when the baby was found at the firefighters’ building entrance.
Subsequent information obtained by Notícias ao Minuto indicated that the baby was taken to the Leiria Hospital.
CCTV footage from outside the building was secured to aid in identifying the person who abandoned the newborn.
Hospital states newborn is in good health: “A healthy baby”
The director of pediatrics at the Leiria Hospital, Dr. João Agro, told CNN that the baby, estimated to be about 24 hours old, was found well-cared-for, indicating “some concern and care” by the individual who left him.
“The baby was warm, brought with milk and a bottle. It’s a healthy baby,” he stated, noting the baby weighs 3.5 kg.
“It’s a full-term newborn, well cared for and not requiring special attention,” he added.
Health professionals at the hospital suggest that the situation reflects someone in distress, as the person ensured the baby was left in good condition at a location where he would be found and well-treated. They expressed willingness to offer support to the baby’s mother.
The duty firefighter found the baby inside a bag.
Andrea Pinto with Lusa | 08:55 – 20/10/2025
[Updated at 2:44 p.m.]
