The remains of a baby found in a snow-covered field in Salford have been identified as those of a newborn girl, say police.
The infant’s remains were discovered by a dog walker last Wednesday afternoon, in Ashtons Field off Cleggs Lane, in Little Hulton.
“We can now confirm that the baby is a newborn girl, who we have called Ava,” said Greater Manchester Police in a statement on Thursday evening.
The force said a post-mortem was carried out on Wednesday, but the cause of the baby’s death remains unascertained, and further testing is needed.
Police are still working to find the mother of the child, who they say “may need medical assistance”.
“Over the past seven days, officers from across the force have worked tirelessly, conducting hours of house-to-house and CCTV enquiries, plus liaising with local and national partners to try and determine exactly what happened to Ava,” said a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson.
“We are coming to a stage where we will be looking to close the scene at Ashtons Field this weekend, however our enquiries will continue.”
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley from the force’s Major Incident Team said: “We know that this case has touched the hearts of many people across Greater Manchester, and like you, we’re determined to find out what happened to this little girl.
“As part of our enquiries, we’re working to establish who Ava’s mum is, and all the possible scenarios and circumstances which have led to Ava being separated from her mum.
“We are continuing to appeal for her mum, who may require medical assistance, or her family to come forwards and speak to us.
“We believe that there is someone out there now who knows what happened. You may not have felt confident to come forward yet, but please know that we have trained officers ready to support you, no matter what the circumstances are, please get in touch.
“I would also like to thank the community for their support as we continue our appeals for information. We are now asking you to cast your minds back to previous months, perhaps you heard something, or saw something that didn’t feel right.
“It may have seemed insignificant at the time, but knowing what you know now, come forward. It could be crucial to finding the truth for Ava.”
Police said tributes left near the scene will be cleaned and donated to children’s charities in Ava’s name.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. Information can also be shared via our Major Incident Public Portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP24S90-PO1
If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
