BABY FOUND DEAD IN WOODS
TRIBUTES AFTER HORROR DISCOVERY IN SHADOW OF CLOSE-KNIT ESTATE
THIS is the heartbreaking moment a Moses basket was taken to the scene where the body of a newborn baby was found.
The tragic discovery was made in a field near George Street, off Peel Lane, Heywood, yesterday morning.
A police cordon was in place on the street for most of the day as forensics officers carried out their investigations. A large wooded area was also taped off late into the afternoon.
A scene official was seen carrying a cream and pink Moses basket to where the body was found.
It is understood it was later used to carry the baby from the area in a respectful way.
Police officers, paramedics and forensics teams were scrambled to the site at around 7am. The harrowing discovery sent shockwaves through the close-knit community, known as Back O’ Th’ Moss estate.
Residents left flowers at the scene, a wooded area on public land and a popular dog walking spot.
As the day went on, the small collection of tributes and flowers grew, and it became a memorial to the tragic lost life.
People who visited the site to pay their respects also left cuddly toys – tributes to a childhood the baby would never experience. One note read: “Little Baby up above, may you always have an angel by your side. Goodnight sleep tight. RIP.”
Greater Manchester Police, who have launched an investigation, are yet to confirm whether the baby was a boy or girl. Detectives are treating the death as suspicious. Officers were seen carrying out door-to-door enquiries around Peel Lane and George Street. The cordon was lifted at around 3.45pm.
A Home Office post-mortem was due to take place this morning. No arrests had been made as of last night.
The spot is in a secluded valley a few metres from an electricity sub-station and the River Roch, close to the edge of the Heywood estate.
Just further along the river is Fairfield General Hospital. The police cordon was taken down early yesterday evening.
A spokesman for GMP said: “At around 7.10am on Wednesday, April 4, police were called to a field near George Street in Heywood, to reports that the body of a baby had been found. Officers attended and discovered the body of what is believed to be a newborn baby.”
A spokesman for the North West Ambulance Service confirmed paramedics were called to the scene at 7.10am. An ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were sent.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 10,1 quoting incident number 368 of April 4.
Reports can also be made to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.