Locals in Little Hulton lays tributes at scene where Baby A found

Police were called to Ravenscraig Road in Little Hulton at 12.30pm yesterday, Wednesday, after a dog walker found the remains of a "young baby" near Ashtons Field. 

Officers are not yet sure of the infant's identity, including its gender, ethnicity, or who its parents are. They are working to ascertain that information. 

It is also not yet clear how long Baby A has been there or how they died. 

Today, Thursday, the police scene on Clegg's Lane near the M61 remains in place and many tributes have been laid by the public, including flowers, teddies and even a baby bottle. 

Teddies and flowers at the scene (Image: Newsquest) One message on a tribute said: "Rest in peace Baby A, you're in our hearts." 

Another said: "Fly high Baby A." 

The Bolton News spoke to two mums who laid flowers at the scene. 

One said: "It is such a shame. Everybody is doing it and I just wanted to show my respect. It is giving me goosebumps." 

A police officer laying a tribute at the scene (Image: GMP) She added that she thought cameras should be put in place in the area, with other incidents also having taken place near the motorway bridge. 

The other said: "It is so strange when it's on your doorstep. I'm a mum and she is a mum of two, but you don't even have to be a parent." 

A second tent can also be seen inside the cordon behind the white sheet. 

Flowers and teddies (Image: Newsquest) A National Police Wellbeing Service van was seen on scene today, which provides wellbeing support for police officers and staff. 

Read more: What we know so far about the death of 'Baby A' after remains found 

Read more: Police release update after tragic discovery of remains of baby 

Read more: Recap: Remains of baby found on road near field

Chief Superintendent and District Commander for Salford, Neil Blackwood, gave a press conference yesterday evening. 

The scene (Image: Newsquest) He said: "Tragically, today, we have found what we believe to be the remains of a young baby on Ravenscraig Road, near Ashtons Field in Little Hulton. 

"We have a scene in place, and you will likely see an increased presence of officers in the local area while we carry out enquiries to understand the circumstances.

"At this stage, we are following several lines of enquiry, and we are working with local partner agencies to understand who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died. We are now calling this baby, Baby A. 

"All of this is extremely sensitive, and this investigation needs to be handled with the utmost care it deserves, and it is going to take time." 

Ch Supt Blackwood added: "We know that this news will devastate our communities, and while we do not have all the answers to these questions yet, I want to reassure residents that we will do all we can to find out what has happened here. 

A second tent, pictured behind the sheet, has been put up (Image: Newsquest) "The most important thing for us right now is to find answers for this baby and I would urge anyone who has any information at all to get in touch with us.

"Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.

"As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so." 

Officers urge anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Ch Supt Blackwood added: "At 12.30pm this afternoon a member of the public was out walking their dog and found the remains."

A Home Office post mortem is yet to take place, so no details of ethnicity or sex of the baby have been revealed.