Locals 'heartbroken' after baby's remains found

Tributes to Baby A have been left near to where the infant's remains were found

People living near a field in which a baby’s body was found have spoken of their shock about the "heartbreaking and tragic" discovery.

The infant's remains were found by a woman who had been walking her dog near Ashtons Field in the Little Hulton area of Salford at about 12:30 GMT on Wednesday.

Flowers, teddy bears and tributes have been left at the scene in memory of the child, who has so far only been identified as Baby A by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Little Hulton resident Sarah Shaw said it was a "desperate situation" and "so sad - I hope they find the person who’s had the child".

Dawn Thompson said the news made her "cuddle her baby even more"

Carrying her own baby daughter, Dawn Thompson laid a teddy bear at the scene.

"I've got my own [baby]," she said, "so it's a lot harder when you see something like this.

"It is just horrible, I feel sorry for the person who has come across the baby."

Emma Fisher, who lives nearby, said it had all "really touched my heart".

She added: "Being a mother myself, it is just really tough - it is heart-breaking.

"The whole community is coming down to pay their respects."

Another tribute left at the scene read: "Rest In Peace, Baby A. You’re in our hearts."

Tributes have been left throughout the day

Forensic investigators have been continuing to search the field where Baby A's remains were found.

Detectives said on Wednesday they had not yet established the baby's identity and age.

GMP said it hoped a post-mortem examination, which could take up to two days, would also help reveal Baby A’s sex, ethnicity and how long they had been in the field.

Police are trying to establish what happened to the baby and said they were pursuing several lines of inquiry

Ch Supt Neil Blackwood said his officers were following several lines of inquiry.

"We know this news will devastate our communities and while we do not have all the answers yet... I want to reassure residents we will do all we can to find out what has happened,." he said.

The chief superintendent and Salford borough commander urged anyone with any information about Baby A to come forward.

“The most important thing for us right now is to find answers for this baby," he said.

“Even the most minor of detail could be crucial to our investigation."

The force said officers would do "everything to get answers"

In a tribute made on behalf of the force, a spokeswoman said: "The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.

"We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful."