Police in the southern Dutch town of Geleen are searching a home where three baby corpses were found earlier this week.

The 41-year old woman living there was arrested on Friday on suspicion of killing at least one baby. A recently buried baby body was found on Sunday in a shed behind the house, and two more were dug up shortly after in the garden.

Police are now focusing on a garden terrace and the garage drive, both of which were newly paved only three weeks ago, according to neighbours.

The Netherlands Forensic Institute is investigating how the children died, and whether there are any biological connections between the children and the woman. The outcome is expected early next week.

The public prosecutor's office is refusing to say why the woman was arrested on Friday, well before the first dead baby was found. Her lawyer told reporters that the prosecutor has enjoined him to silence at least until next week, when the court will decide on extending the woman's solitary confinement.

A similar incident in the northern province of Friesland last month shocked people in the village of Nij Beets, where a young woman had hidden three baby corpses in the attic.

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide