Police don't know who tragic 'Baby A' is or how long they've been in Salford field

Police are yet to establish how long a baby had been at a field where their remains were found earlier today. A major operation is underway at Ashtons Field in Little Hulton, Salford, following the discovery of a young baby's remains.

Emergency services attended the scene this afternoon (November 20). Greater Manchester Police taped off the field, off Cleggs Lane, and crime scene investigators have been scouring the area for evidence.

At a press conference this evening, Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood confirmed the baby's identity remains a mystery. Detectives are also yet to establish how long the baby had been left at the scene.

READ MORE: Major police scene as baby found dead in Greater Manchester field - live updates

Chf Supt Blackwood, GMP's district commander for Salford, said: "At this stage, we are following several lines of enquiry, and we are working with local partner agencies to understand who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died.

"We are now calling this baby, Baby A. All of this is extremely sensitive, and this investigation needs to be handled with the utmost care it deserves, and it is going to take time."

It's understood the infant's remains were found between Ashtons Field and the rear of industrial properties on Ravenscraig Road. The baby's age and gender are yet to be confirmed.

Enquiries are ongoing and residents have been told to expect an increased police presence in the area. Chf Supt Blackwood added: "We know that this news will devastate our communities, and while we do not have all the answers to these questions yet, I want to reassure residents that we will do all we can to find out what has happened here.

"The most important thing for us right now is to find answers for this baby and I would urge anyone who has any information at all to get in touch with us. Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation."