Major update into tragic case of Baby Ava who was found dead in snowy field as vital clue could help find tot's parents
A MAJOR update has been unveiled in the tragic case of a baby who was found dead in the middle of a snowy field more than six months ago.
Police have discovered a vital clue which could point to the identify of the mystery baby girl, named Ava by police, who was found in a park in Little Hulton, Manchester, in November.
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Following her discovery just over sixth months ago, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has now said it had secured a DNA profile from a piece of fabric recovered from the scene.
Cops believe this could help identify someone connected to Ava, potentially including her parents, helping to "move the investigation forward."
In an update today, police said: "A significant development in the investigation is the recovery of a piece of fabric from the scene, from which we have secured a DNA profile.
"In the coming months, we hope this will help us identify someone connected to Ava and move the investigation forward."
Cops have drafted in a range of experts to help uncover the story behind the baby girl's mysterious death.
GMP explained it had called on a botanist to "determine how long Ava may have been at the discovery site", alongside an anthropologist, archaeologist, and specialists in dental and bone analysis to "establish Ava's age and ethnicity".
Baby Ava was discovered by a dog walker in a snowy field near the M61 in Salford on November 20 last year.
Since this discovery, cops have continually appealed for Ava's mum to come forward, adding that they were concerned about her welfare.
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley from GMP's Major Incident Team 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.
Cops still hunting for mum of baby boy found dead in M&S bag by binman
"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.'
Police have been undergoing extensive investigations over the past six months, since the tragic discovery of Baby Ava.
This has included following up on "hundreds" of public tips, conducting "thousands of hours" of door-to-door enquiries, and "extensively" reviewing CCTV footage.
Police said they had also collaborated with forces and agencies across the UK to try and identify Ava, in the hope of "securing justice" for her.
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GMP added: "Information from the public has led us to speak with potential witnesses nationwide.
"While these leads have not yet helped us identify Ava or understand her circumstances, they have allowed us to safeguard several vulnerable individuals and ensure they receive the care and support they need.
"We have also trawled the national missing person database, focusing on cases involving females who were potentially pregnant and reported missing, which has helped us negate a number of individuals."
If you have any information which could help police in their investigation, contact the force by dialling 101, quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24.
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