The sad spot where Baby A was found dead (Image: MEN)
Concerned detectives have appealed for the “frightened” mother of a dead baby found in a snow-covered field to urgently contact them, so they can help her.
At 12.30pm on Wednesday Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the North West Ambulance Service raced to Ashton’s Field, in Little Hulton, Salford by the M61 motorway, after a dog walker found the tiny body.
The baby’s identity and the circumstances around how they came to their death are all yet to be confirmed. A Home Office post mortem is taking place, and police hope this will provide vital clues in the coming days.
Since the tragic discovery, by a police cordon and forensic tents, a sea of teddy bears, candles, cards and flowers have been laid at the scene by heartbroken local residents.
On Friday afternoon Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, made a direct appeal to the tot’s mother to come forward.
Sea of teddies and tributes for Baby A (Image: MEN)
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Det Chief Insp Whalley said: “This week, we have discovered the remains of a baby near to the layby off Cleggs Lane, Ashtons Field in Little Hulton.
“Our investigation is in the early stages and we do not know the background or circumstances that have led to this baby being separated from the mum.
“We don’t know the pressures the mum might have been under before she gave birth or in the time afterwards, but our priority is to find answers, and to make sure the mum is safe.
“We know that this baby’s mum is somewhere out there, potentially watching this, and we would appeal for anyone who may know the mum or had their suspicions about her pregnancy to come forward so we can find her and speak to her.
“We will do everything we can to help the mum. Trained officers are ready to support her, no matter what the circumstances are, please contact us.”
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Police cordon has been in place since Wednesday (Image: MEN)
Ashton’s Field is a former colliery established in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Production of coal ceased in the 1960s, at which time the shafts were capped, and the site was eventually transferred to the Land Trust in 2007 for use by the local community.
The force has thanked the local community for the sea of tributes left to Baby A at the scene. The entrance to the field is close to where Cleggs Lane crosses the M61.
One tribute seen at the scene reads: “A little angel gone to soon. Fly high with the other angels.” Another says: “R.I.P. Baby A. May you rest in paradise. Love from us all.”
A Greater Manchester Police officer also placed a sympathy card at the scene on Thursday, while residents have spoken of their shock.
One woman, who was in tears as she lay flowers, said: “I only live across the way, I didn’t sleep last night thinking about that poor baby.
“We need justice for that baby, and for the community to have closure… but we don’t know what happened. Whether the mum needs help, or whether it was a child. She is out there somewhere. It’s heart-breaking.”
Tributes, candles and cuddly toys for Baby A (Image: MEN)
A mum-of-two added: “I can’t wrap my head around it. We know the people who found the baby – it’s awful. I’ve got kids of my own – but you don’t need to be a mum for it to affect you.”
Earlier this week, Chief Supt Neil Blackwood, GMP’s district commander, said: “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.
“We know that this news will devastate our community, and while we do not have all the answers to these questions yet, I want to reassure residents that we will do all we can to find out what has happened here.
“The most important thing for us right now is to find answers for this baby and I would urge anyone who has any information at all to get in touch with us. Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation.”