Newborn Baby Girl ‘Ava’ Found in Salford Field Could Have Been Dead for Years
A newborn girl discovered in a snowy Salford field may have been dead for up to three years before her remains were uncovered, police have revealed.
Mystery Baby ‘Ava’ Found by Dog Walker
Detectives named the baby girl Ava after a dog walker found her body at Ashtons Field, Little Hulton, on November 21 last year. Officers believe Ava was full-term and possibly stillborn.
Forensic Tests Reveal Chilling Storage
New forensic evidence suggests Ava’s body was stored in a fridge or freezer before being buried in a shallow grave. Experts think wildlife later disturbed the grave, exposing her remains.
“Ava was moved to Ashtons Field sometime between November 1 and 20, but her level of decomposition shows she had died long before then. If she had been kept frozen, it could have been two to three years earlier,” said Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley.
When found, Ava was wrapped in pink women’s underwear decorated with donkeys — believed to be maternity briefs. DNA from both a man and woman was recovered but has yet to match anyone in police databases.
Police Launch Hunt for Baby’s Mother
Greater Manchester Police are investigating local vehicle movements and family DNA links to identify Ava’s mother. They are urging anyone with information to call 101, visit the Major Incident Portal, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
