Cause of death of baby found in Salford remains unknown

The cause of death of a baby found in a Salford field is still unknown a month after she was discovered, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have said.

The infant, named as Ava, was found by a dog walker near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.

In an update, GMP said her cause of death remained “unascertained”, but all possible lines of inquiry were being followed and officers were awaiting results from specialist tests.

The force has delivered more than 1,000 flyers appealing for information within the community.

Tributes and gifts left at the scene by the public have been distributed to charities and care homes, a spokesman said.

Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley said: “The tributes to Baby Ava have now made their way to their forever homes, and we would like to thank the community who have come together and shown immense support for her and our officers who are investigating this case.

“We are still committed to establishing who Ava’s mum is and the full circumstances that led to her and Ava being separated.

“Our determination to get answers for Ava is unrelenting and will continue throughout the festive period and beyond.

“We ask anyone who may have information which could help us, no matter how small, to come forward to us, as this may provide the key to unlocking the investigation.”

The child was found in the field, close to a road layby near warehouses and not far from two junctions of the M61 motorway, north west of Manchester.

Following the discovery, police appealed to her mother to come forward.

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