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"WE SHARE THE SADNESS FELT FOR AVA AS WE CONTINUE OUR SEARCH FOR ANSWERS SO THAT WE CAN LAY HER TO REST." 19:35, 02 Jun 2025Updated 19:39, 02 Jun 2025 It was six months ago that

her tiny body was found in a frozen field. She has had no funeral and as yet her parents remain unknown. But today a senior detective issued a heartfelt plea for information to solve the

tragedy of Baby Ava. As reported in the MEN last week a potentially vital breakthrough has been made in the investigation. Pink fabric which it is thought the child may have been wrapped in

has yielded a clue. A DNA profile has been found on it and it could be the mother's, father's or a relative's. Ava was discovered by a dog being taken for a walk at Ashtons

Field, Little Hulton, Salford. The lone woman owner of the dog went to investigate when she realised her pet had found something. The find was made on Wednesday November 21. The woman first

phoned a relative "in shock" and then called 999 almost immediately at 12.22pm. The location is just off Cleggs Lane, near a layby, and police are still trying to establish how the

person who left Ava arrived at the scene. There are no CCTV cameras overlooking the location. A botanist has been able to tell police that Ava had been put near the park entrance between

October 1st and November 21st by examining leaf foliage. Article continues below Since November Major Incident Team with 20 detectives has worked to uncover the truth about who Baby Ava was

and what led to her being left alone. Detectives have followed up on hundreds of public tips, conducted thousands of hours of house-to-house enquiries, reviewed extensive CCTV footage, and

collaborated with police forces and agencies across the country; all in pursuit of identifying who baby Ava was, and securing justice for her. Information from the public has led GMP to

speak with potential witnesses nationwide. While these leads have not yet helped identify Ava they have allowed police to safeguard several vulnerable individuals and ensure they receive the

care and support they need. GMP has also trawled the national missing person database, focusing on cases involving females who were potentially pregnant and reported missing, which has

helped eliminate a number of individuals. Work is continuing with an anthropologist, archaeologist, and specialists in dental and bone analysis to establish Ava’s age and ethnicity.

Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley, who is leading the investigation, said: “We will never forget Baby Ava, and despite the challenges in the investigation, we’re committed to

uncovering the truth. We are more determined than ever to find who Ava is, who her parents are, and all of the possible scenarios and circumstances which have led Ava to being separated from

them. "I know how heartbreaking this case has been for the communities of Greater Manchester and beyond. The support and compassion we’ve received has been unwavering, and we share the

sadness felt for Ava as we continue our search for answers so that we can lay her to rest. "If you are baby Ava's mum, please know that you are not alone. You can contact us

directly or ask someone you trust to reach out on your behalf. We want to help you.” Article continues below Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of

20/11/24. Information can also be shared via our Major Incident Public Portal here.