Body of baby found on field in Salford confirmed as newborn girl

The body of a baby found lying in a snow-covered field in Salford has been confirmed as that of a newborn girl, police said tonight. As investigations continue, Greater Manchester Police said she's been named Ava.

The update was issued on Thursday night after the results of a post-mortem examination were confirmed.

GMP said a cause of death 'remains unascertained pending further investigation' - and said the police scene in the Little Hulton area would likely close this weekend.

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Announcing the development, police chiefs issued a repeated appeal to trace Ava's mum, who they said may need medical assistance. Detectives said the case has 'touched the hearts of many people across Greater Manchester'.

The discovery has triggered an outpouring of compassion for mother and baby from the local community and further afield.

A frost-covered carpet of sympathy cards, flowers, teddies and, perhaps most poignantly, a jacket with a fur-lined hood were left on a pavement for the child, who police had previously called Baby A.

The find was made at 12.22pm on November 20 on Ashtons Field, which is off Cleggs Lane near where it crosses the M61. The land is next to an industrial estate off Ravenscraig Road. The baby was found near to an entrance to the field through a gate on Cleggs Lane.

Ever since, forensic officers have scoured the site for clues which may help identify who brought the child to the location.

In an updated statement, GMP said: "The scene is set to close this weekend, with the tributes left by members of the public being donated to children's charities. Our appeal for Ava's mum, her family, or anyone who knows anything about what may have happened to Ava, to come forward remains active.

"Following the tragic discovery of baby remains last week off Cleggs Lane, by Ashtons Field in Little Hulton, we can now confirm that the baby is a newborn girl, who we have called Ava.

"Following a post-mortem examination yesterday (Wednesday 27 November) the cause of Ava’s death remains unascertained, with further pathological and forensic testing required.

"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.

"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. The touching tributes left by members of the community will be cleaned and donated to children’s charities in Ava’s name."

Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley, from GMP'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."

No ethnicity has been revealed.