Police have made a significant breakthrough in their investigation into the case of ‘Baby Ava’, a newborn found dead in Salford last November.
Almost a year ago, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received a call from a member of the public reporting the discovery of human remains in a snow-covered field in Little Hulton.
GMP explained that Baby Ava may have been uncovered from her 12cm deep grave in Ashtons Field by animals, before she was found on top of a nearby layer of snow.
Today, police revealed that a new clue into the death of Baby Ava had been uncovered – the remains were wrapped in a distinctive piece of Ladies’ underwear, which may provide crucial DNA evidence in the search to identify her mother.
Tests of the fabric have yielded DNA profiles, but police say they have been unable to find a match with any national database entries.
The pair of women’s briefs found at the scene are a size large, pink and beige in colour and appear to have a donkey design printed on. GMP has asked anyone who recognises the underwear to come forward.
It is believed that Ava was born at around 38 to 39 weeks of gestation and that the pregnancy may have been concealed or unregistered.
Enquiries are ongoing with several experts, including an anthropologist, archaeologist, entomologist, and dentist, to establish Ava’s age, ethnicity, and how long she may have been in the location where she was found, as well as any other relevant facts that may assist the investigation.
Since the remains of the infant, who was given the name ‘Ava’ by GMP, were found by a dog walker on 20 November, the Major Incident Team has worked to uncover the truth about Baby Ava’s death.
Detectives have followed up on hundreds of public tips, conducted thousands of hours of house-to-house enquiries, reviewed extensive CCTV footage.
GMP have also collaborated with police forces and agencies across the country; all in pursuit of identifying who baby Ava was, and securing justice for her.
These leads have allowed the police to safeguard several vulnerable individuals and ensure they receive the care and support they need.
GMP say they have collaborated with police forces and agencies across the country in pursuit of identifying who baby Ava was, and securing justice for her.
They have also trawled the national missing person database, focusing on cases involving females who were potentially pregnant and reported missing, which has helped negate a number of individuals.
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley from GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “This investigation so far has been extremely complex, but we are using every possible resource and expert available to us to uncover what happened to Baby Ava.
“We have followed up on hundreds of public tips, which demonstrates the care the community have for helping us get answers for Ava, but unfortunately these have not resulted in a positive identification so far.
“It will soon be a year since Ava was discovered at Ashtons Field, which may bring up memories for her parents or those who may have known this family. I implore you to reach out to us, to a support network or another agency so we can help and support you.
“We are not giving up on getting justice for Ava, and would encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. Information can also be shared via our Major Incident Public Portal here.
Recent Comments