Sources say a NYCHA worker made a disturbing discovery Wednesday while clearing out a trash can in a courtyard behind a NYCHA building: the body of a premature baby boy, according to police.

A baby was discovered by a NYCHA worker cleaning out garbage cans in Canarsie, according to police sources.

EMS responded to 1590 E 102nd St. and pronounced the boy dead just after 11 a.m. Thursday. Sources say the body still had an umbilical cord.

The discovery prompted an extensive search by police, who combed through multiple trash cans in the area looking for any additional human remains, sources at the scene said.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner recovered the body from the scene and officials have not yet released the cause of death.

Richard Solis, a resident who was with the NYCHA worker at the time, said she initially thought the mess in the trash can was food waste.

“She was like, ‘What’s all this red stuff?’ And I was thinking that could just be ketchup or tomato sauce,” Solis said. “Until she moved the bag, opened the bag and flipped out. He looked like he was sleeping.”

Police say the investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made. Residents told News 12 they hope the building’s extensive camera system will help identify who is responsible.

A growing memorial filled with candles and children's toys has been started by residents of the Bay View Houses, near where the boy was found.