Police give name to dead baby found in woods near Rochdale

An unidentified baby girl found dead in woodland two weeks ago has been named “Baby Pearl” by police.

Detectives took the unusual step of giving a name to the days-old baby as they issued a further appeal for help to try to trace her parents.

The baby’s body was discovered by a dog walker near an old rubbish tip in the town of Heywood, near Rochdale, at about 7.10am on 4 April.

Greater Manchester police (GMP) said on Wednesday the baby’s parents had not been traced despite extensive inquiries.

DCI Lewis Hughes, from GMP’s major incident team, said: “This is a truly heartbreaking case for all involved and I know everyone from officers to paramedics and the public have felt the impact of this.

“We felt it was only right to name the baby girl, as it is important that she is given an identity. We also felt that the name had an appropriate meaning. Every child is precious and Pearl is no different.”

Forensic analysis confirmed the baby was “extremely young, possibly newborn”, police said, and that she was most likely white but mixed heritage could not be ruled out.

Hughes said officers urgently needed the public’s help to add to the “limited details we have”. He added: “I believe someone somewhere knows who the parents are and they may be reluctant to come forward. I implore you, please, if you have heard anything, seen anything or know anything – even if it is the tiniest detail – please just let us know.

“We won’t forget about baby Pearl and the investigation into what happened to her will continue. It is our responsibility to find the answers and we will do everything we can to do just that.”