Baby found in field was newborn girl

A baby whose remains were found in a field was a newborn girl who has been named Ava, police have said.

The infant was found by a dog walker near Ashtons Field in Salford, Greater Manchester, on Wednesday, November 20.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said following a post-mortem examination the baby’s cause of death remained unascertained, pending further pathological and forensic tests.

Tributes, which were left near where Ava was found by members of the public, will be donated to children’s charities when the crime scene is closed this weekend, the spokesman said.

Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley 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 inquiries, 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.

“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.”

Where the child was found in the field is close to a road layby near warehouses and not far from two junctions of the M61 motorway, north west of Manchester.

Last week, police said the baby was wrapped in a pink fabric, and detectives were working with soil experts, archaeologists and anthropologists to try to establish how long the child’s body had been there before it was found.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24 or share information online at  mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP24S90-PO1.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.