A toddler was taken to hospital after he was found alone next to the body of his mum.
It is unclear how long the little boy was left alone in the apartment, however neighbours have told 7News that they raised concerns with the building management two days before the heartbreaking discovery.
Neighbours told the news outlet that the situation was ‘traumatising’ and said the young boy appeared to be ‘visibly struggling’.
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One person said: “I saw the way the child was struggling – he really needed medical attention.
“That’s very sad to see, especially what I saw today – it’s going to haunt me the rest of my life.”
Neighbours confirmed they raised the alarm on Monday (29 May). Another local resident said the time taken to discover the situation was ‘disheartening’.
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Unison, the group that manages the building, said it is offering counselling and support to any residents affected by the tragedy in a statement to 7News.
“Well considering it was reported two days ago, and they’ve only checked it now, I find it’s a bit disheartening,” they said.
Police conducted a welfare check for the woman at 11.40am local time on Wednesday (31 May) at the apartment in Werribee, Melbourne, where they found her deceased.
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The woman’s cause of death is currently unknown, however Victoria Police believe the circumstances surrounding her death are non-suspicious.
Neighbours said they hadn’t seen the mother for more than a week.
The apartment complex where the single mum lived with her provides housing for young people experiencing homelessness, according to 7News.
Management have confirmed security cameras will be reviewed as well as the woman’s electronic access pass to understand her final movements.
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A 7News journalist said the young boy was taken to hospital ‘as a precaution’ and was ‘checked over’ before being taken to his relatives.
“Investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the woman’s death remain ongoing,” police said.
The boy was taken to hospital in a stable condition, Victoria Ambulance said.
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He is now in the care of relatives and was unharmed when police found him.
“A young child was found unharmed at the premises at the time,” Victoria Police said.
“They have been taken to hospital as a precaution and are now being cared for by relatives.”
Gregory Robinson