The entrance to Ashtons Field remains closed

A major investigation has been launched after the remains of a child were found in a field in Salford. Greater Manchester Police were at the scene near Cleggs Lane, in Little Hulton, throughout the afternoon of Wednesday, November 20.

Police confirmed that the remains of a young child were discovered earlier. At a press conference this evening, Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said the remains were found by a dog walker who alerted police at around 12.30pm.

Witnesses reported seeing a significant emergency presence around 1 p.m. A cordon has since been put in place and the entrance to Ashtons Field has been closed to the public, Manchester Evening News reports.

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Several police cars were presentwith several officers on the cordon. Crime scene investigators also worked at the scene and remain in attendance this evening.

A forensic tent is behind the cordon, which has also been protected by a screen. The baby’s gender and ethnicity have not yet been confirmed, although it is not yet known how long the child has been on the grounds.

Chf Supt Blackwood, GMP District Commander for Salfordhe told reporters that a Home Office autopsy was taking place. They should confirm more details about the child in the next couple of days.

As the infant’s identity is a mystery, GMP named them Baby A. They were also described by the force as a “small baby”.

Officers were reportedly called from nearby Ravenscraig Road, but a forensics tent is set up close to the entrance to Ashtons Field at Cleggs Lane. Chf Supt Blackwood told reporters “this is our location” as he spoke from that side of the cordon.

No one has so far come forward with information about Baby A. Anyone with information is urged to report it to GMP by calling 101 quoting log 1319 of November 20, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.