Police reveal new clues after discovery of Baby Ava in Little Hulton
Detectives reveal distinctive underwear found at the scene as investigation nears one-year mark
Detectives investigating the discovery of newborn Baby Ava in Little Hulton last November have revealed new details as they renew their appeal for information nearly a year on from the heartbreaking find.
Ava was found deceased on 20th November 2024 by a dog walker in Ashtons Field, off Ravenscraig Road, Salford.
Since then, specialist officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team have been working around the clock with forensic and scientific experts to uncover what happened to the newborn.
Detectives have now confirmed a piece of fabric previously found at the scene has now been identified as ladies’ size large underwear featuring a distinctive cartoon donkey pattern.
Investigators believe the garment, which is not manufactured in the UK but can be purchased wholesale, may help trace those responsible. Officers hope that “given their distinctive nature, somebody recognises them.”
It was also revealed that Ava had been found on top of a layer of snow, next to an area that appeared disturbed by animals — suggesting she may have been buried initially.
Enquiries are ongoing with multiple experts, including an anthropologist, archaeologist, entomologist and dentist, to establish Ava’s age, ethnicity, and how long she had been at the location.
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley said:
“This investigation so far has been extremely complex, but we are using every possible resource and expert available to us to uncover what happened to Baby Ava.
“We have followed up on hundreds of public tips, which demonstrates the care the community have for helping us get answers for Ava, but unfortunately these have not resulted in a positive identification so far.
“It will soon be a year since Ava was discovered at Ashtons Field, which may bring up memories for her parents or those who may have known this family. I implore you to reach out to us, to a support network or another agency so we can help and support you.
“We are not giving up on getting justice for Ava, and would encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist our investigation.”
Detectives now believe the pregnancy may have been concealed or unregistered, as DNA recovered from the underwear and extensive database searches have yet to identify Ava’s parents. The newborn was believed to be around 38 to 39 weeks gestation at birth.
The public are once again being urged to contact police if they have any information, particularly if they recognise the distinctive underwear or know anyone who may have experienced a concealed pregnancy in the area around that time.