Remains of baby found in field by member of the public in Greater Manchester

The remains of a baby have been found in a field in Greater Manchester, police have said.

A member of the public alerted police just after midday on Wednesday after discovering the infant – with the force descending on Ashtons Field in Little Hulton, Salford, soon after.

Local reports say there has been a major police presence at the scene throughout the afternoon.

One Little Hulton resident told the Manchester Evening News that she “felt sick” after hearing about the discovery – and said she felt the area was unsafe.

She told the newspaper: “It’s not safe, there’s no cameras. Anyone can access it any time they like.

“They need to do something – I’ve always said something was going to end up here, and it was going to be really serious.”

Greater Manchester Police’s district commander for Salford, Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood, was at the scene this evening.

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Blackwood said that “tragically” the remains of a baby were found this morning – and told locals to expect an “increased” police presence while enquiries are ongoing.

He said the force does not, at the moment, know the baby’s identity – and is calling the infant “Baby A” for the time being.

Blackwood added that GMP was pursuing “several lines of enquiry” into the child’s death – and vowed that the force would investigate the “extremely sensitive” case “with the utmost care”.

“We know the news will devastate our communities,” he added, saying the “most important thing is to find answers”.

Police said that “even the most minor detail could be crucial” in solving the case, and that the force will issue further updates in due course.

The public has been urged to contact the force online, via 101 quoting log 1319 of November 20.

Blackwood added that anyone with any relevant information on the case can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.