Dead baby dumped in snowy field confirmed to be a baby girl cops have named 'Ava'

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

Detectives probing the horrific death of baby found in a snowy field have revealed the tragic tot was a newborn baby girl - who they have named Ava.

A dog walker made the discovery of the baby girl's remains in Little Hulton, Salford, Greater Manchester, near the M61 over a week ago on Wednesday, November 20. A post-mortem examination - held yesterday - has confirmed the baby was a girl.

The Mirror reports that the cause of death has still yet to be established with further tests required. Detective 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."

Forensic teams and police descended on the site a known beauty spot transformed from a disused colliery. Tents were erected as detectives searched for clues as an investigation was launched into the heartbreaking case.

Officers have poured through CCTV footage and carried out door-to-door enquiries in the shocked community. Desperate efforts are ongoing with other forces to find out what happened to Ava.

Last week, Greater Manchester Police, issued an appeal for information about Ava's mum, which it repeated in a statement released today. DCI Whalley added: “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.

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

“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.”

Teddies and flowers had been left at the scene where Ava was found, including a A cuddly rabbit with a heartbreaking note which read “RIP Baby A”.

Police said the scene is set to close this weekend, with the tributes left by members of the public being donated to children's charities.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.