Remains found in Greater Manchester park are those of newborn girl, police say

Remains found in a Greater Manchester park have been identified as that of a newborn girl, police have said.

Officers said the baby's cause of death "remains unascertained pending further investigation" after a post-mortem on Wednesday.

Police said they have named the baby girl Ava and reiterated their appeal for her mum, family, or anyone who knows anything about what may have happened to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley from the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) major incident team said they believe "someone out there" knows what happened.

"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," she added.

"We are continuing to appeal for her mum, who may require medical assistance, or her family to come forward and speak to us."

The discovery was made at around 12.30pm last Wednesday by a woman walking her dog off Cleggs Lane, in the vicinity of Ashton's Field in Little Hulton. Police said the baby was wrapped in a pink fabric.

Over the past week, officers have gone from house to house and enquired about CCTV to try to figure out exactly what happened to Ava, GMP said.

"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," DCI Whalley said, continuing her appeal.

"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."

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Police make direct appeal to mother

Police will be looking to close their investigation scene at Ashtons Field this weekend, the force said, but "enquiries will continue".

Tributes left at the site will be cleaned and donated to children's charities in Ava's name, GMP said.

(c) Sky News 2024: Remains found in Greater Manchester park are those of newborn girl, police say