A dead kangaroo joey dumped in a letter box in Canberra’s north has prompted a police investigation.

Police are asking for public help in identifying a woman they believe left the small, hairless joey in the letter box of a home in O’Connor on Monday.

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Police have released photos of the woman, who they believe is of slim to medium build, about 178 centimetres tall and with short hair.

It is believed the joey was placed in the letterbox some time between 5:00pm on Friday, May 22 and mid-morning on Monday, May 25.

A police spokesman said the photos were obtained from the homeowner, however he was unable to specify when they were taken.

Officers doorknocked the area after the joey was found, but gained no further information.

Police asked anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers quoting reference number 5804666.