Forensics arrive on scene as investigation into tragic baby discovery continues

Forensic investigators are this morning painstakingly searching a field in Salford following the discovery of the body of a baby.

As the investigation into the tragedy continues, members of the public are also visiting the scene in Little Hulton to lay tributes to the child, named by police as 'Baby A'. A large police cordon was put in place on Ashtons Field after a dog walker found the baby's remains at about 12.30pm yesterday (Wednesday).

The baby's identity, sex and ethnicity are yet to be confirmed. Detectives are also yet to establish how long the baby had been left at the scene.

READ MORE: LIVE: Police scene as baby is found in Salford field and investigation enters second day - latest updates

This morning the entrance to the field is fenced off. Two blue forensic tents can be seen on the footpath behind, which is where the main focus of the search appears to be taking place.

As the community reels from the heart-breaking discover, members of the public are also visiting the scene to lay flowers, soft toys and cards. One read 'Rest in Peace Baby A. You're in our hearts'.

"It’s just tragic," said one woman this morning after laying a bunch of flowers. "It's grim. I work in a nursery so it hits extra close to home."

Another woman said she had turned off social media after seeing speculation on a local Facebook group. "The worry is now is they it's someone we know," she said. "But it could be a million reasons behind it."

Speaking last night GMP say they hope to have the results of a Home Office post-mortem examination within two days.

At a press conference, Chief Supt Neil Blackwood 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 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."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote log 1319 of November 20 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.