The body of a young baby was found by a horrified dog-walker in a snow-topped field by a busy motorway bridge, police have revealed.
Emergency services and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) arrived at Cleggs Lane in Little Hulton, Salford, close to the M61 motorway on Wednesday after the remains were found around 12.30pm.
The body named ‘Baby A’ was found by the entrance to Ashton’s Field, a disused colliery turned into a green space, and the Linnyshaw Loopline – a walking and cycling route between Little Hulton and Walkden.
On Wednesday evening a large white and red forensic tent was erected at what is believed to the place in the snowy field where the tiny body was found.
A police forensics worker in a white CSI suit was seen examining the area while officers who taped off the area made sure locals and dog walkers stayed away.
One Little Hulton resident said she “felt sick” after hearing the news, adding: “They need to do something anyway, it’s not safe, there’s no cameras. Anyone can access it anytime they like. They need to do something.”
On Wednesday night at the scene, GMP Chief Supt Neil Blackwood said: “Tragically, today, we have found what we believe to be the remains of a young baby on Ravenscraig Road in Salford.
“We have a scene in place, and you will likely see an increased presence of officers in the local area while we carry out enquiries to understand the circumstances.
“At this stage, we are following several lines of enquiry, and we are working with local partner agencies to understand who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died – we are now calling this baby, Baby A.
“Around about 12.30pm this afternoon, a member of the public who was out walking her dog has located what is the sad remains of Baby A.
“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.”
Police said so far no-one has come forward about the baby – and that it is too soon to be sure on the baby’s sex or ethnicity.
Chief Supt Neil Blackwood added: “We know this news will devastated our communities, 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 right now 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. If you’ve seen anyone in the area over the past few days – or know who the parents could be – please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in the position to confirm further details about the circumstances we will do so.
“I encourage people to ring 101 and quote log 1319 or they can do so anonymously on Crimestoppers, which is 0800 555 111.”
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.
