Baby Ava’s mystery still unsolved a month after toddler’s body was found near highway bridge… but cops insist hope is not lost

THE mystery of Baby Ava remains unsolved a month after the newborn’s body was found near a motorway bridge – but cops insist all hope is not lost.

The mother of the unidentified girl known as Baby Ava, who was discovered by a dog walker in a snowy field near the M61 in Salfordis still unknown.

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But police are still determined to find out who she is and how she and her baby were separated, according to Greater. Manchester Police.

They also hope to extract DNA information from a piece of pink fabric believed to have been used to wrap the baby – which could help determine the identity of a family member.

Concern remains for the welfare of the child’s mother, who may be in a state of distress following the trauma that led her to leave Baby Ava just off the main road.

The cause of death remains “uncertain” pending the results of further tests, the force added.

In an update released today, Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley said: “We are still determined to establish who Ava’s mother is and all the circumstances that led to her separation from Ava.

“Our determination to get answers for Ava is unwavering and will continue throughout the holiday season and beyond.

“We are asking anyone who may have information that could help us, however small it may be, to come forward, as it could provide the key to unlocking the system. investigation.”

Following the horrific discovery, locals left floral tributes and soft toys, including teddy bears and snowmen, for the tragic toddler.

DCI Whalley added that the force distributed the gifts to charity and care. houses in the region.

She said: “Tributes to Baby Ava have now found their way to their forever homes, and we would like to thank the community who came together and showed immense support to her, and to our officers who are investigating this affair.”

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Meanwhile, a botanist works with the police to examine the soil where Ava was found.

Although the remains were found on the surface, work is underway to determine whether they were buried at any point and, more importantly, how long they had been there.

Anthropologists and archaeologists are also participating in the investigation.

And Greater Manchester Police consulted a behavioral psychologist, who suggested the mother could be local and knew where the child had been left.

As a result, police focused on the two local communities of Little Hulton and Farnworth which lie on either side of a bridge spanning the M61 on Cleggs Lane, close to where Ava was found.

Experts are also trying to establish Ava’s ethnicity and age, but it is believed she was weeks old rather than days old.

Baby Ava was discovered at Ashtons Field, Greater Manchester, on November 21.

Emergency crews stormed onto Ravenscraig Road, surrounded by industrial buildings, and cordoned off the area.

At the time, police said they did not know Baby A’s gender, age or ethnicity.

Superintendent Neil Blackwood said at the time: “Tragically, today we 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 inquiries to understand the circumstances.

“This is all extremely sensitive, and this investigation needs to be conducted with all the care it deserves, and it’s going to take time.”

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In a later update, DCI Whalley said: “We know this case has hit the hearts many people across Greater Manchester, and like you, we are determined to find out what happened to this little girl.

“As part of our investigation, we are working to establish who Ava’s mother is, as well as all possible scenarios and circumstances that led to Ava being separated from her mother.”

DCI Whalley also appealed directly to the mother and her family, fearing she may need medical attention.

She added: “You may not yet have felt confident to come forward, but please know that we have trained officers ready to support you, whatever the circumstances, please contact us.”

“I would also like to thank the community for their support as we continue our appeals for information.

“We now ask you to look back over the previous months, perhaps you heard something or saw something that didn’t seem right to you. It may have seemed insignificant at the time, but knowing what you know now manifest yourself.

“This could be crucial to uncovering the truth about Ava.”

A horrified local told media the baby was discovered just meters from the entrance to Ashtons Field, next to a parking area.

She added: “As the poor little baby was found so close to the road and park entrance, it could well be that someone had driven here.

“They just stopped and threw or placed the baby in the bushes and drove off. They could have come from anywhere.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact police on 101 or 0161 856 2027 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24.

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