'Dear beautiful baby': Strangers' tribute to nine-month-old girl found dead on beach
Dozens of tributes have been left at a memorial at a Gold Coast beach where a baby girl was found dead on Monday.
Among the tributes was a poignant message accompanied by a blanket for the nine-month-old girl whose body was discovered about 12.30am on Monday near the shoreline at Surfers Paradise beach.
“Dear Beautiful Baby Girl, Here is a blanket for you from all the Australian mummy’s and grandma’s (sic) that would have fought to keep you safe and warm,” the printed message read.
“Rest in Peace Darling.”
The blanket is believed to be in reference to reports the girl’s family who had been living rough in the area.
Residents have claimed they told police of their concern for the baby’s welfare due to “freezing conditions”.
At least two locals say they contacted police and other authorities about the family, which had been sleeping rough near the beach.
“Clearly, I wasn’t taken seriously,” Erin Sorensen wrote on Facebook.
There were also several teddy bears, balloons and flowers left on the bench overlooking the beach.
The girl’s parents – a man, 48, and woman, 23 – remain in custody but have not been charged.
Queensland Police expect to receive the results of an autopsy on the baby on Tuesday.
– With AAP
