Police are offering a £50,000 reward for information about ‘Baby Ava,’ found dead in Salford one 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 on 20 November 2024.
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.
In October, 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.
Now, more than a year on, Greater Manchester Police have secured funding provided by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to offer a £50,000 reward for further information leading to the identity of Baby Ava and the circumstances around how she came to be in Ashtons Field.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact police on 101 or report via the GMP Major Incident Public Portal.
Lead investigator, Detective Inspector Louise Kelly from GMP’s Major Incident Team, hopes this will encourage someone to come forward. She said: “Since Ava was discovered a year ago today, we have worked tirelessly to understand how she came to be in Ashton’s Field deceased and get justice for her.
“Last month, we were able to share that a piece of fabric recovered with Ava was a distinctive pair of ladies’ size large underwear with what we believe are cartoon donkeys on it. Unfortunately, despite the unique nature of this piece of clothing, we have had no new viable leads.
“We have had around 20 experts across various fields supporting our enquiries, followed up on over 200 pieces of information and distributed 1000 leaflets to local communities.
“Those residing in the surrounding area of where Ava was located should expect to see a greater police presence in the area around this anniversary, and may receive a knock on the door, as we continue to relentlessly pursue all possible avenues which could lead us to finding out what happened to her.”
Throughout the last year, officers have worked tirelessly to get answers and justice for Baby Ava. GMP have continued to discover new pieces of information, but nothing so far has led to them identifying Ava or her parents.
Their appeal remains primarily for her parents to come forward, but anyone with information is encouraged to report that too.
DI Kelly continued: “Today’s date will be a significant one for Ava’s parents and those who may have known her, and we have not lost hope in understanding the full circumstances of Ava’s death.
“To Ava’s parents, if they see this, we are here ready to speak to you and support you.”
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Our thoughts remain with Baby Ava and those affected by this tragic case.
“We are committed to supporting GMP in their efforts to find answers and bring closure.
“This reward reflects our determination to encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist the police with their investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. Information can also be shared via the Major Incident Public Portal.
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