A child’s body was tragically discovered by a dog walker in a snow-covered field this afternoon.

The officers entered Ashtons Field Salford close to the M61 motorway bridge after the grim discovery was made at around 12.30pm.

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Bigger Manchester Police confirmed that the remains of a child had been found.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference near the scene this evening, surfer Neil Blackwood said: “Tragically today we found what we believe to be the remains of a young child on Ravenscraig Road in Salford.

“We have a scene set up and you are likely to see an increased officer presence in the local area as we carry out inquiries to understand the circumstances.

“At this stage we are following multiple lines of inquiry and working with local partner agencies to understand who this child may be, how long they have been here and how he unfortunately died – we are now calling this child, Baby A.

“All of this is extremely sensitive and this investigation must be handled with the utmost care it deserves and will take time.”

He added: “Around 12.30 this afternoon a member of the public walking his dog found what are the sad remains of Baby A.”

Sup. Chf could not confirm baby A’s ethnicity or gender.

He added that the post-mortem results should be made public in the next two days.

Members of the public have been urged to come forward with any information in an urgent appeal to find Baby A’s parents.

“We know this news will devastate our communities, and while we don’t have all the answers to these questions yet, I want to assure residents that we will do everything we can to find out what happened here,” he continued.

“The most important thing for us at this time is to find answers for this child and I would urge anyone with any information to get in touch with us.

“Even the smallest detail could be crucial to our investigation.

“If you have seen anyone in the area in the last few days or know who the parents might be, please call us as soon as possible.

“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details of the circumstances, we will do so.

“I encourage people to call 101 and quote log 1319 or they can do it anonymously on Crimestoppers which is 0800 555 111.”

A forensic tent could be seen in the area earlier today, with a heavy police presence.

Northwest The Ambulance Service was present, along with forensic officers.

The snow-covered scene has been cordoned off while police investigate.

Officers were also seen behind industrial buildings on nearby Ravenscraig Road.

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