Every word said as police issue update on tragic discovery of baby in Salford

Greater Manchester Police have issued an update on their investigation into the tragic discovery of a baby's body in Salford.

A large police scene was put in place on Ashtons Field in Little Hulton after a woman walking her dog found the baby's remains at about 12.30pm on Wednesday (November 20). Forensic officers scoured the area, off Cleggs Lane near the M61, for evidence.

So far police have not established how the child died but the outcome of a Home Office post mortem is expected to be revealed early next week. GMP are now describing the child as "a young baby" and are still trying to find out how long the body was at the location.

READ MORE: 'We will do everything we can': Police issue direct appeal to mum after tragic discovery of baby in Salford

As the investigation enters its third day, GMP held a press conference this afternoon (November 22) with an appeal to the baby's mother. During the press conference, Det Chf Insp, Charlotte Whalley, of GMP's Major Incident Team, read out a statement.

She said: "This week, we have discovered the remains of a baby near to the layby off Cleggs Lane, by Ashtons Field in Little Hulton. Our investigation is in the early stages and we do not know the background or circumstances that have led to this baby being separated from the mum. We don’t know the pressures the mum might have been under before she gave birth or in the time afterwards, but our priority is to find answers, and to make sure the mum is safe.

"We know that this baby’s mum is somewhere out there, potentially watching this, and we would appeal for anyone who may know the mum or had their suspicions about her pregnancy to come forward so we can find her and speak to her. We will do everything we can to help the mum. Trained officers are ready to support her, no matter what the circumstances are, please contact us."

Earlier this week, Chf Supt Neil Blackwood, GMP's district commander, said: "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. We know that this news will devastate our communitie, 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."

The force has thanked the local community for the sea of tributes left to Baby A at the scene. The entrance to the field is close to where Cleggs Lane crosses the M61.