Parents arrested after baby girl's body found in woodland
Infant found abandoned and unclothed, with no blanket or nappy
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A mother and a father have been arrested on the suspicion of murdering their newborn baby girl.
The baby was found in a remote area of Roch Valley Woods, Manchester, which is popular with dog walkers and families, on the morning of 4 April.
She was found abandoned, unclothed, with no blanket or nappy.
Forensic examinations determined she was born with a congenital defect that resulted in her missing two ribs, was probably newborn and likely to be white, although mixed heritage cannot be ruled out.
The 48-year-old father and 33-year-old mother were held on Wednesday, almost four months after the discovery of the baby.
Police have been carrying out extensive enquiries, including DNA analysis to find out what happened to the baby, who was named Pearl by detectives.
The two suspects, who sources confirmed are the child’s parents, have been arrested on suspicion of murder, concealing a birth and preventing a lawful burial.
They remain in custody for questioning and enquiries are continuing, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, who is leading the investigation for GMP, said: “This continues to be an incredibly heartbreaking case for everyone involved – from the detectives working painstaking hours to find those responsible to members of the public that have felt the loss of Pearl.
“While we have two people in custody, our investigation is still very much ongoing and I would continue to urge anyone with even the smallest piece of information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – to please get in touch.
“We’re committed to finding the truth for this little girl and truly believe the public could hold the key to this tragic case.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4810 or 07387 705768 quoting incident number 368 of 04/04/18.
Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Agencies contributed to this report