Police reveal image of clothes found with Baby Ava

Police have urged the parents of the infant whose remains were found near Ashtons Field in Little Hulton to come forward

Detectives investigating the unsolved case of a baby girl whose remains were found in a field have released a "significant" new clue and renewed their appeal for her parents to come forward.

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.

Police said a distinctive pair of large pink and beige women's briefs featuring a cartoon-style donkey pattern were found at the scene.

Det Ch Insp Charlotte Whalley urged the baby's parents - or anyone who knows who they are - to contact the force, adding while they "can't ignore criminality in this case" they would provide help and support.

Detectives have released an image of the briefs in the hope someone recognises them

Det Ch Insp Whalley said she hoped someone would recognise the distinctive underwear.

She told BBC One's Crimewatch Live detectives did not believe the briefs had been manufactured in the UK.

"We have secured a DNA profile from the underwear so we can determine if it is connected to Ava," she said.

In June, GMP said a profile had been secured from testing a piece of fabric recovered at the scene where Baby Ava was discovered.

Detectives have now revealed that item was a piece of underwear.

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

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.

They did so in an attempt to establish Ava's age, ethnicity, how long she may have been in the location she was found and any other facts which may assist in the investigation.

Baby Ava's remains were found near Ashtons Field in Salford

Det Ch Insp Whalley said: "We understand what Ava's mum and dad are going through is unimaginable. We don't know their personal circumstances and what they are dealing with.

"We can't ignore the criminality in this case but there will be help and support for them.

"I implore you to reach out to us, to a support network or another agency so we can help and support you."

She added: "We have followed up on hundreds of public tips, which demonstrates the care the community have for helping us get answers for Ava, but unfortunately these have not resulted in a positive identification so far.

"It will soon be a year since Ava was discovered at Ashtons Field, which may bring up memories for her parents or those who may have known this family.

"We are not giving up on getting justice for Ava, and would encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist our investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24.

Information can also be shared via GMP's Major Incident Public Portal.