A year-long investigation into the discovery of Baby Ava at a field in Salford has seen extensive work by police – but they are still no closer to identifying who she is
Mystery still surrounds the death of a baby girl left buried in a shallow grave wrapped in a pair of knickers. As November 19 marked the first anniversary of the discovery of Baby Ava, a hefty reward of £50,000 is being put forward in hopes of unravelling the heart-wrenching case.
Her tiny body was found on top of a snow-dusted patch of grass at the entrance to a country park in Salford. It’s believed that a badger, fox or large bird scavenging for food in the icy conditions may have unearthed her – just a day, or even hours, after she was left there.
The site near Cleggs Lane in Little Hulton, suggests that whoever abandoned her there may have done so in a state of panic. They could have ventured deeper into the park, known as Ashton Fields, but instead, Ava was left near a busy road crossing over the M61 motorway, close to an industrial estate.
After a year of rigorous investigation by scientists, police can now pinpoint the 20-day window during which Baby Ava was abandoned. It’s suspected that her body may have been stored elsewhere for a significant period before being left in the field.
She was believed to have been delivered at 38 to 39 weeks gestation and possibly stillborn, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Detective Inspector Louise Kelly said: “We are still no closer to identifying who Ava’s parents are or how she came to be in Ashtons Field. But now we have secured the £50,000 reward, we hope will encourage people to come forward with information.
“We have engaged with more than 20 experts, forensic experts and behavioural experts and conducted investigations into 200 pieces of information that have come in from the public.
“The information has included concerns about specific females, who have been pregnant, and information around the scene, such as vehicles that might have been here at the time. We have made exhaustive inquiries to try and get answers as to why Ava was left there.
“Work is on ongoing and evidentially we can’t say what Ava’s ethnicity was yet. We believe she has been somewhere else before she was brought to Ashton’s Field. There is still some forensic testing to take place which we are waiting for the results of. We are also continuing the familial DNA checks and are visiting all the names we have identified from a familial DNA list which relates to Ava’s DNA.
“We have not lost hope in the search for answers as to how Ava came to be here. Those residing in the surrounding area of where Ava was located should expect to see a greater police presence in the area around this anniversary, and may receive a knock on the door, as we continue to relentlessly pursue all possible avenues which could lead to us finding out what happened to her.
“Throughout the last year, we have continued to discover new pieces of information, but nothing so far has led us to identify Ava or her parents. Today’s date will be a significant one for Ava’s parents and those who may have known her. To Ava’s parents, if they see this, we are here ready to speak to you and support you.”
The reward money has been put up by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Kate Green, deputy mayor of Greater Manchester – for ‘safer and stronger communities’ – stated: “Our thoughts remain with Baby Ava and those affected by this tragic case. We are committed to supporting GMP in their efforts to find answers and bring closure.
“This reward reflects our determination to encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist the police with their investigation.”
Baby Ava, as named by the police at the start of the investigation, was found wrapped in a distinctive pair of women’s knickers. They are a size large, pink and beige in colour and feature an unusual donkey design.
Police suggest it’s possible that the mother may have worn them during her pregnancy. DNA testing of the fabric has produced a profile.
Ava was discovered by a dog being walked at Ashtons Field, on November 20, 2024. The dog owner went to investigate what her pet had found, before ringing a relative in shock.
She dialled 999 at 12.22pm. The heartbreaking discovery was made just beyond a lay-by, on a bank of earth.
Due to fallen leaves and the soil conditions, experts have been able to confirm that Ava was left at the location no earlier than the start of November last year. The timeframe for her being moved to the site spans from November 1 to November 20.
However, police emphasise this doesn’t indicate she was born at the start of November. Her remains were severely decomposed and a forensic pathologist has informed detectives he cannot determine the exact date of her birth.
Previously, Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley, from GMP’s Major Incident team, told the Manchester Evening News: “The level of decomposition indicates she could not have decomposed that quickly from November 1 to November 20. She has been somewhere else first.
“If she had been wrapped and put in a freezer the expert says it could have been two to three years before when she was born. She could have been kept in a house, in a fridge, there are so many options and that is why a forensic pathologist cannot tell me when she was born.
“I think there would have been a trigger for the movement of her [to Ashtons Fields]. Something happened – either her family moved or someone else found out. The work the scientists have done has been outstanding. Narrowing down the time when she was left has helped.”
Police believe the person was wearing the large knickers because they were pregnant. They say the DNA from it would be good enough for a direct comparison if they found the person, but it is not strong enough for the National Police Database to give an identity.
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