Police issue update after baby's remains found on field

Police have thanked the public for their "support and compassion" as the investigation into Baby A's death continues. A dog walker discovered the infant's remains at Ashtons Field, in Little Hulton, Salford at around 12.30pm yesterday (November 21).

Following the discovery, Greater Manchester Police have remained at the scene, with forensics investigators searching the area for evidence. Heartfelt floral tributes, toys and messages have been left at the scene for Baby A today (Thursday). One card reads: 'Goodnight, God bless, little one'.

A GMP officer was pictured leaving a sympathy card for the infant this afternoon, Manchester Evening News reports. In an update issued this evening, GMP has thanked the community for its support, while insisting the force will 'do everything it can to get answers'.

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A GMP spokesperson said: "Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday. The thoughts of everyone at GMP are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.

"We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful."

A cordon has remained in place today as police continue their work. Many details about Baby A are still unanswered.

Many Little Hulton residents spoke of their heartbreak at the tragedy which had unfolded. One woman, who was in tears as she lay flowers, said: "I only live across the way, I didn’t sleep last night thinking about that poor baby.

"We need justice for that baby, and for the community to have closure… but we don’t know what happened. Whether the mum needs help, or whether it was a child. She is out there somewhere. It’s heart-breaking."

A mum-of-two added: “I can’t wrap my head around it. We know the people who found the baby - it’s awful. I’ve got kids of my own - but you don’t need to be a mum for it to affect you."

The baby's sex, ethnicity and the circumstances around how they came to their death are all yet to be confirmed. A Home Office post mortem is taking place, and police hope this will provide vital clues in the coming days.

GMP described Baby A as a 'young baby' on Wednesday. No one had come forward to give police any information about the infant when Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood, GMP's district commander for Salford, urged potential witnesses to come forward.

He said on Wednesday night: "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 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.

"If you have seen anyone in the area over the past few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can. As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so. I encourage people to ring 101 and quote log 1319 or they can do so anonymously on Crimestoppers, which is 0800 555 111."