Advertisement

Mother denied bail after toddler found dead in bath

As a Sydney mother faced court charged with the murder of her two-year-old daughter, it's been revealed the little girl's two older siblings were previously removed from the mother's care and placed with relatives.

The woman, who cannot be named, was refused bail in a Penrith court on Wednesday after police allege she killed her two-year-old daughter and left her body inside the family's home in Sydney's south-west for "up to three days".

The toddler's body was found submerged in a bathtub by a family friend who went to the home in Miller, near Liverpool, on Tuesday.

The little girl. Source: 7News
The little girl. Source: 7News
The girl's mother. Source: 7News
The girl's mother. Source: 7News

Seven News understands the friend went to the property concerned about the child and after no answer at the door, used a ladder to get inside the home where the horrific discovery was made.

Officers visited a Blue Mountains medical facility on Tuesday night, where they spoke with the girl's 27-year-old mother.

The Miller home where the two-year-old's body was found. Source: 7News
The Miller home where the two-year-old's body was found. Source: 7News
Forensic police at the scene. Source: 7News
Forensic police at the scene. Source: 7News

The woman was arrested and charged with murder, appearing in Penrith local court on Wednesday via video link.

It will be alleged the 27-year-old mother murdered her daughter on the weekend and took off before crashing her car in the Blue Mountains.

It remains unclear why the child was allowed to stay in the woman's care.

The woman was supported in court by a man, who is believed to be her boyfriend, but he was in no mood to chat with waiting media, running from the courthouse.

The 27-year-old showed no emotion as the murder charge was read out, with bail formally refused.

Police have said a post-mortem will determine how the little girl died.

On Tuesday the street in Miller was blocked off as officers interviewed neighbours and examined the home.

Shocked neighbours watch as police move in. Source: 7News
Shocked neighbours watch as police move in. Source: 7News

Police are currently speaking with the child’s relatives in an attempt to determine what happened in the lead up to her death.

Neighbours described the little girl as "gorgeous", "very quiet" but never played outside.

It's believed the family had only moved into the area a few months ago.

The Miller street was closed off. Source: 7News
The Miller street was closed off. Source: 7News