Police trying to identify a baby, whose body was found in a field almost a year ago, hope a distinctive piece of underwear will help them make a positive identification.
The infant was named Ava after her remains were discovered by a dog walker near Ashtons Field in Little Hulton, Greater Manchester, on 20 November last year.
Greater Manchester Police said they had “not giving up on getting justice for Ava”, and that the case was “extremely complex”.
In a fresh appeal for information, police said a pair of ladies’ underwear, in size large and featuring a pattern of what are believed to be cartoon donkeys, was recovered from the scene.
DNA recovered from the material had not led them to the girl’s parents, police said.
The force added its investigation had so far “led us to believe the underwear is not manufactured in the UK, but can be shipped wholesale”.
It added: “We hope, given their distinctive nature, that somebody recognises them.”
Detectives said Ava was believed to have been born at 38 to 39 weeks’ gestation, and that the pregnancy may have been concealed or unregistered.
They said the baby was found on top of a layer of snow next to an area which may have been disturbed by animals, and that they believed she had been buried initially.
Ongoing inquiries are being carried out with experts including an anthropologist, an archaeologist, an entomologist and a dentist to establish Ava’s age, ethnicity, how long she may have been in the location she was found and any other facts, the force said.
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Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley said: “This investigation so far has been extremely complex, but we are using every possible resource and expert available to us to uncover what happened to baby Ava.
“We have followed up on hundreds of public tips, which demonstrates the care the community have for helping us get answers for Ava, but unfortunately these have not resulted in a positive identification so far.
“It will soon be a year since Ava was discovered at Ashtons Field, which may bring up memories for her parents or those who may have known this family. I implore you to reach out to us, to a support network or another agency so we can help and support you.
“We are not giving up on getting justice for Ava, and would encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist our investigation.”
