Latest news with #CharlotteWhalley
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
‘Significant' DNA breakthrough in bid to identify baby found in field
Detectives hope they can uncover 'in the coming months' the identity of a baby girl found in a field. The remains of the infant, named by police as Ava, was discovered by a dog walker near Ashtons Field in Salford, Greater Manchester, on November 20 last year. Police have yet to establish who Ava's mother is and the circumstances that led to them being separated. However, detectives announced on Monday a 'significant development' in their investigation as they have secured a DNA profile from a piece of fabric recovered from the scene. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: 'In the coming months, we hope this will help us identify someone connected to Ava and move the investigation forward.' A botanist is working with the force to determine how long Ava may have been at the field, GMP added, while specialists in dental and bone analysis, an anthropologist and an archaeologist are trying to establish her age and ethnicity. Det Ch Insp Charlotte Whalley, of 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. 'I know how heart-breaking 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.' The field is close to a lay-by near warehouses and not far from two junctions of the M61 motorway, north-west of Manchester. Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24.
BBC News
03-03-2025
- BBC News
Flowers left for girl, 4, who died after Manchester house fire
Floral tributes have been left after a four-year-old girl died in a suspected arson was found seriously injured by firefighters who brought her out of the property in Rusholme, Manchester, at about 12:30 GMT on child was taken to hospital where she was later pronounced dead. A 44-year-old woman, who police said was known to the child, has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Neighbours said they were "shocked" and the girl's death was "heart-breaking".Forensic officers have been at the cordoned off house today as police continue their Ch Insp Charlotte Whalley said: "This awful incident has seen the tragic death of a young girl, and I would like to send my condolences to her friends and family."A woman has been arrested and I can confirm that she is known to the child."There is no wider threat to the community and no-one else is currently being sought in connection with the investigation."She said the emergency services "did their utmost best" to save the little girl after the fire on Gateshead Close. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Yahoo
Girl, 4, dies after suspected arson attack
A four-year-old girl has died following a suspected arson attack at a house in Manchester, police have said. The child was found seriously injured by firefighters tackling the blaze in the Rusholme area of the city at about 12:30 GMT. She was taken to hospital where she was later pronounced dead, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said. A 44-year-old woman, who police said was known to the child, has since been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Det Ch Insp Charlotte Whalley said: "This awful incident has seen the tragic death of a young girl, and I would like to send my condolences to her friends and family. "A woman has been arrested and I can confirm that she is known to the child. "There is no wider threat to the community and no-one else is currently being sought in connection with the investigation." She said the emergency services "did their utmost best" to save the little girl after the fire on Gateshead Close. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze. Investigators will "leave no stone unturned" when establishing what had happened, she added. Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X to get the latest alerts.
