Tragic baby girl found dead in snow-covered field named as Ava with desperate hunt for mum ongoing
A TRAGIC baby girl found dead in a snow-covered field by a dogwalker has been named as Ava.
The child was discovered last Wednesday near Ashtons Field in Salford close to the M61 motorway bridge.
Greater Manchester Police today confirmed the baby was a girl following a post mortem.
A cause of death has still not been determined with further tests being carried out.
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley from our Major Incident Team said: “We know that this case has touched the hearts of many people across Greater Manchester, and like you, we’re determined to find out what happened to this little girl.
“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.”
DCI Whalley also appealed directly to the mum and her family amid fears she may need medical attention.
She added: “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.”
“I would also like to thank the community for their support as we continue our appeals for information.
“We are now asking you to cast your minds back to previous months, perhaps you heard something, or saw something that didn’t feel right. It may have seemed insignificant at the time, but knowing what you know now, come forward. It could be crucial to finding the truth for Ava.”
The horror unfolded at around lunchtime last week when a dogwalker found the baby’s body.
Emergency crews swooped on Ravenscraig Road, which is surrounded by industrial buildings, and cordoned the area off.
At the time, officers said they did not know the sex, age, or ethnicity of Baby A.
Horrified locals left floral tributes and soft toys, including stuffed teddy bears and snowmen, for the tragic tot.
One said the baby was discovered just yards from the entrance to Ashtons Field beside a lay-by.
She added: “Because the poor little baby was found so close to the road and entrance to the park, it could well be that someone has driven here.
“They’ve just pulled in and thrown or placed the baby in the bushes and driven off. They could have come from anywhere.”
GMP said they were following several lines of enquiry and are working with local partner agencies in a bid to identify the baby.
Chf Supt Neil Blackwood said at the time: “Tragically, today, we have found what we believe to be the remains of a young baby on Ravenscraig Road in Salford.
“We have a scene in place, and you will likely see an increased presence of officers in the local area while we carry out enquiries to understand the circumstances.
“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.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24.