Remains of Baby Found in Muddy Field by Dog Walker Identified as Newborn Girl: Police
Authorities are appealing for the mother of the baby to come forward after its body was discovered by a dog walker on Wednesday, Nov. 20
Authorities are appealing for the mother of the baby to come forward after its body was discovered by a dog walker on Wednesday, Nov. 20 Ryan Jenkinson/PA Images via Getty Flowers left at the scene on Ravenscraig Road near Ashtons Field, Salford:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/salford-baby-remains-112924-1-ab57ecd4e020490da9596ee003ec636b.jpg "Flowers left at the scene on Ravenscraig Road near Ashtons Field, Salford, in Greater Manchester, where the remains of a baby were found in a field.")
The remains of a newborn baby have been found lying in a field in Manchester, England.
On Thursday, Nov. 28, the Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the remains — which had been discovered by a dog walker last week — were that of a baby girl. Officers have since named her Ava.
According to the BBC, Ava was found by a woman, who had been walking her dog at around 12:30 local time on Nov. 20.
"Following a post-mortem examination yesterday (Wednesday Nov. 27) the cause of Ava’s death remains unascertained, with further pathological and forensic testing required,” Greater Manchester Police said in a statement.
“Over the past seven days, officers from across the force have worked tirelessly, conducting hours of house-to-house and CCTV enquiries, plus liaising with local and national partners to try and determine exactly what happened to Ava,” they police added.
Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Ryan Jenkinson/PA Images via Getty Police work at the scene on Ravenscraig Road near Ashtons Field, Salford
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Investigators will finish their examination of the scene at Ashtons Field in the Manchester suburb of Little Hulton later this week. Tributes left at the site will also be collected for donation to children’s charities, the police said.
In the statement, Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley from the department’s Major Incident Team said they were working to identify Ava’s mother.
“As part of our enquiries, we’re working to establish who Ava’s mum is, and all the possible scenarios and circumstances which have led to Ava being separated from her mum,” she said. Ryan Jenkinson/PA Images via Getty Police cars at the scene on Ravenscraig Road near Ashtons Field, Salford
“We are continuing to appeal for her mum, who may require medical assistance, or her family to come forward and speak to us,” Whalley added.
“We believe that there is someone out there now who knows what happened,” she continued. “You may not have felt confident to come forward yet, but please know that we have trained officers ready to support you, no matter what the circumstances are, please get in touch.”
People with information are being urged to contact the police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. Information can also be shared through the department’s Major Incident Public Portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP24S90-PO1.
People who would like to remain anonymous can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
