The remains of a baby found in a field in Greater Manchester have been identified as a newborn baby girl.
The infant, previously known only as “Baby A”, was discovered in a field near Little Hulton, Salford, on November 20.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have named the baby girl “Ava”.
Officers say her cause of death remains unclear and requires further pathological and forensic testing.
A forensics tent stood at this entrance to Ashtons Field in Little Hulton
A woman walking her dog made the discovery at around 12.30pm on November 20 near Ashtons Field.
The baby was found in a field close to a road layby near warehouses, situated near two junctions of the M61.
Police revealed the infant had been wrapped in pink fabric when discovered.
Detectives have been working alongside soil experts, archaeologists and anthropologists to determine how long the baby’s body had been at the location.
Officers have been “working tirelessly conducting hours of house-to-house and CCTV enquiries” to uncover what happened to Ava, according to a GMP statement.
Flowers, teddy bears and other tributes left at the scene in memory of baby Ava will be donated to children’s charities.
Det Ch Insp Charlotte Whalley from GMP said: “As part of our enquiries, we’re working to establish who Ava’s mum is.
“We are continuing to appeal for her mum, who may require medical assistance, or her family, to come forward and speak to us.
“We believe that there is someone out there now who knows what happened. Please know that we have trained officers ready to support you.”
Police have urged the public to “cast their minds back to previous months” for any potentially relevant information.
“Perhaps you heard something, or saw something that didn’t feel right,” investigators said.
“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.”
