Yahoo News Clue found with dead baby in snowy field could help police identify child
A crucial piece of fabric found alongside the remains of an infant in a snow-draped field could hold the key to identifying the child, police have said.
The heartbreaking find of the 'young baby', now known as Baby A by investigating officers, was made at the gateway to Ashtons Field, adjacent to a lay-by on Cleggs Lane in Little Hulton, shortly before 12.30pm on Wednesday (November 20). Where the child was found in the field is close to a road layby near warehouses and not far from two junctions of the M61 motorway.
Police are working with specialists, including archaeologists, to establish how long the baby had been there and have made a direct appeal to the baby's mother to contact them. Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley, from the force's Major Incident Team, said officers still don't know the gender, ethnicity or age of the baby.
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However, they are hoping those questions can be answered a following a post mortem, due to be held 'early next week'. "Hopefully next week we will have more answers on that," she said.
"At the moment, we just don't know." The baby was found by a lone female dog walker on Wednesday, she added.
"I would hope they can provide us with some answers regarding that," DCI Whalley confirmed. She continued: "We do believe there was some fabric on the baby, around the baby," noting that the material had been collected for analysis amidst significant amounts of mud. She also mentioned that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are working closely with these specialists to uncover how long the baby had been there.
In addition, DCI Whalley highlighted their partnership with the National Crime Agency (NCA), which could offer the expertise of a criminal psychologist if necessary. The community's 'fantastic support' has been evident, she said, in the wake of widespread 'emotion and grief'.
"If you've been to the scene, you'll have seen that, with all the tributes," DCI Whalley remarked. She added that the public has been forthcoming with valuable information, aiding the police in pursuing all leads.
Addressing the mother directly, DCI Whalley stated: "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."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on or 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
