£50k reward offered for information on baby Ava whose remains were found next to M61 in Little Hulton
Police are offering a £50k reward in their search for information regarding a baby’s remains which were found next to the M61 a year ago today.
On November 20 last year the child was found in a field close to a road layby, not far from two junctions of the M61, by a woman who had been walking her dog at around 12.30pm.
Police received a call from a member of the public reporting the discovery of what appeared to be human remains in a park in Little Hulton.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) made the announcement following a post-mortem examination, and said they had named the girl "Ava" after previously only identifying her as "Baby A".
Since that day, a dedicated team from GMP Major Incident Team has worked tirelessly to uncover the truth about who Baby Ava was and what led to her being left alone.
Detectives have followed up on hundreds of public tips, conducted thousands of hours of house-to-house enquiries, reviewed extensive CCTV footage, and collaborated with police forces and agencies across the country; all in pursuit of identifying who baby Ava was, and securing justice for her.
A spokesperson for GMP said: “We have secured a £50,000 reward in our latest bid to get answers to what happened to Baby Ava, as we mark one-year since her discovery in Little Hulton on 20 November 2024.
“This reward, provided by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, will be given in respect of information leading to the identity of Baby Ava and the circumstances around how she came to be in Ashtons Field.”
Lead investigator, Detective Inspector Louise Kelly from GMP’s Major Incident Team, hopes this will encourage someone to come forward.
She said: “Since Ava was discovered a year ago today, we have worked tirelessly to understand how she came to be in Ashtons Field deceased and get justice for her.
“Last month, we were able to share that a piece of fabric recovered with Ava was a distinctive pair of ladies’ size large underwear with what believe are cartoon donkeys on. Unfortunately, despite the unique nature of this piece of clothing, we have had no new viable leads.”
She added: “We have had around 20 experts across various fields supporting our enquiries, followed up on over 200 pieces of information and distributed 1000 leaflets to local communities.
“Those residing in the surrounding area of where Ava was located should expect to see a greater police presence in the area around this anniversary, and may receive a knock on the door, as we continue to relentlessly pursue all possible avenues which could lead us to finding out what happened to her.
“Throughout the last year, we have continued to discover new pieces of information, but nothing so far has led to us identifying Ava or her parents.
“Our appeal remains primarily for her parents to come forward, but anyone with information is encouraged to report that to us.”
She added: “Today’s date will be a significant one for Ava’s parents and those who may have known her, and we have not lost hope in understanding the full circumstances of Ava’s death.
“To Ava’s parents, if they see this, we are here ready to speak to you and support you.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. Information can also be shared via our Major Incident Public Portal HERE.