£50k offered one year after baby's remains found

Police have urged the parents of an infant whose remains were found to come forward

A £50,000 reward is being offered by police on the first anniversary of the unsolved case of a baby girl whose remains were found in a field.

Remains of the infant, named Baby Ava by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), were found by a dog walker near Ashtons Field, in Little Hulton, Salford, on 20 November 2024.

Police said Greater Manchester Combined Authority had provided the reward for information leading to the baby 's identity and how she came to be in Ashtons Field.

Det Insp Louise Kelly from GMP's major incident team, said: "Today's date will be a significant one for Ava's parents and those who may have known her."

She added: "To Ava's parents, if they see this, we are here ready to speak to you and support you."

Piece of fabric

The detective also said: "Last month, we were able to share that a piece of fabric recovered with Ava was a distinctive pair of ladies' size large underwear with what we believe are cartoon donkeys on.

"Unfortunately, despite the unique nature of this piece of clothing, we have had no new viable leads."

Kate Green, deputy mayor of Greater Manchester, with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: "Our thoughts remain with Baby Ava and those affected by this tragic case.

"We are committed to supporting GMP in their efforts to find answers and bring closure.

"This reward reflects our determination to encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist with the police with their investigation."

An area was cordoned-off after Ava's remains were found last year

The police force revealed information about the underwear discovery on BBC One's Crimewatch Live last month, saying a DNA profile had been secured from it, which matched Ava.

GMP believe Ava was born at about 38 to 39 weeks' gestation and that the pregnancy may have been concealed.

Detectives have also revealed Ava was found on top of a layer of snow next to an area that "potentially" may have been disturbed by animals and they believe she had been buried initially.

They have been working with experts including an anthropologist, an archaeologist, an entomologist and a dentist.