Dead baby found in snowy field named as police issue heartbreaking update
by Kathryn Riddell, Tim Hanlon · ChronicleLiveDetectives have revealed that an infant discovered dead in a snowy field was a newborn girl, whom they have now named Ava.
The sad discovery was made by a dog walker in Little Hulton, Salford, near the M61 last Wednesday (November 20).
A postmortem examination held on Wednesday November 27 confirmed her gender, yet the cause of death remains undetermined, necessitating further tests, Greater Manchester Police reported.
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley commented: "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."
The area around Ravenscraig Road, close to Ashton's Field, became the focus of an intense police investigation, with forensic teams setting up tents at the scene to probe into the tragic discovery. As the community reels from the incident, detectives are engaging in extensive house-to-house and CCTV enquiries, liaising with other police forces.
Continuing their efforts, police repeated a public appeal for information about the mother of baby Ava in a statement issued on Thursday, stressing the importance of understanding the events leading to Ava's separation from her mother. 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.
"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.", reports the Mirror.
"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 cuddly rabbit with a heartbreaking note which read "RIP Baby A". The 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.
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