Police are seeking information regarding a newborn baby found abandoned on a field in Greater Manchester, in a heartfelt Christmas appeal. The infant, wrapped in a piece of pink fabric, was discovered a month ago on the edge of a snow-covered field.
Scientists are hopeful they may find DNA on the fabric, potentially from the child’s mother, grandparent, or a relative. If such information is found, it will be cross-referenced with the National DNA Database and other systems storing biometrics of individuals who have voluntarily given their DNA.
Police already possess a full DNA profile of the baby, referred to as ‘Baby A’ or ‘Baby Ava’, found in Salford. However, the results of further forensic tests on the cloth, expected in the coming weeks, could significantly alter the investigation, reports the Mirror.
There is ongoing concern for the welfare of the child’s mother, who is likely in a distressed state and struggling to cope with the trauma that led her to abandon Baby Ava near a main road. Members of the public continue to leave bouquets at the scene, including a single red rose in a plastic dome to shield it from the harsh weather, bearing the message ‘Rest in Peace Baby A you’re in our hearts’.
Baby Ava was discovered by a dog being walked at Ashtons Field, Little Hulton, Salford. The dog halted just inside the field off Cleggs Lane, adjacent to a layby.
The sole female owner of the dog decided to investigate when she noticed her pet had discovered something. The discovery was made on Wednesday, November 21st.
The woman initially rang a family member “in shock” but then promptly dialled 999 at 12:22pm. The infant was found near an entrance to the field through a gate, suggesting whoever abandoned the child did not stay long.
A botanist is collaborating with the police, analysing the soil where Ava was discovered. The remains were on the surface, but their work continues to determine if they were buried at some point and, crucially, how long they had been there.
Anthropologists and archaeologists are also aiding the investigation, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. Greater Manchester Police has sought advice from a behavioural psychologist via the National Crime Agency.
They propose the mother may be local and familiar with the location where the child was abandoned. Consequently, the police have focused on the two local communities of Little Hulton and Farnworth, which are situated on either side of a bridge over the M61 on Cleggs Lane, near where Ava was discovered.
These communities have already played a significant role in the police investigation. Police have visited schools, GP practices, midwifery services, and hospitals.
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley from GMP’s Major Incident Team stated: “The public response has been amazing. We have concentrated on the two local areas that lead to where Ava was found.
“Our presence within the community has also been constant over the past month. More than 1,000 flyers appealing for information have been distributed to those living and working locally and that has prompted a lot of phone calls
“Everyone wants to help and everyone knows about the case. We have never had such total support.”
Police have also visited mums and toddlers groups in the areas, food banks, volunteer groups, and sought the support of children’s services and adult services provided by Salford and Bolton councils. But police also have to consider the possibility with the close proximity of the motorway network, whoever left the child may have arrived and left in a vehicle and be from outside the immediate area.
CCTV could yet reveal vital clues once experts have been able to tell police when they believe Ava was left. Her cause of death remains unascertained, but police say “all possible lines of enquiry are being followed, and we are awaiting results from several specialist tests, which we hope may provide us with new avenues to explore”.
Touching tributes for Baby Ava, including teddies and a heartrending little blue jacket with a fur-lined hood, have been donated to a worthy cause following the community’s outpouring at the scene. Detective Chief Inspector Whalley expressed gratitude, remarking: “The tributes to Baby Ava have now made their way to their forever homes, and we would like to thank the community who have come together and shown immense support for her and our officers who are investigating this case.
“We are still committed to establishing who Ava’s mum is and the full circumstances that led to her and Ava being separated. Our determination to get answers for Ava is unrelenting and will continue throughout the festive period and beyond. We ask anyone who may have information which could help us, no matter how small, to come forward to us, as this may provide the key to unlocking the investigation.”
Officials are also working to determine exactly how old Ava was and her ethnicity, although it’s believed she was several weeks old. Neighbourhood police teams, a Major Incident Team of around 15 detectives, and specialists in CCTV analysis and automatic number plate recognition technology continue their significant efforts on the case.
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