More details uncovered, as investigation into discovery of Baby Ava in Little Hulton last November continues

Detectives leading the investigation into the discovery of Baby Ava in Little Hulton last November have reappealed for information on BBC’s Crimewatch Live today (Wednesday 15 October 2025). 
Ava was found on 20 November 2024 by a dog walker, in Ashtons Field, off Ravenscraig Road. Since this discovery, detectives specialised in dealing with the most complex and devastating crimes have been working around the clock alongside partners and specialists to get closer to the full circumstances of how Ava came to be in that location, deceased.
Following our earlier updates, where we revealed a piece of fabric had been recovered from the scene, we are now able to confirm that this fabric is a pair of ladies’ size large underwear, with a distinct pattern of what we believe is cartoon donkeys on them.

Our enquiries so far have led us to believe the underwear is not manufactured in the UK, but can be shipped wholesale. We hope given their distinctive nature that somebody recognises them.
We can also now reveal that Ava was found on top of a layer of snow next to an area that may have been disturbed by animals, so we believe she had been buried initially.
Enquiries remain ongoing with several experts such as an anthropologist, archaeologist, entomologist and dentist to establish Ava’s age, ethnicity, how long she may have been in the location she was found and any other facts which may assist our investigation.
Unfortunately, DNA recovered from the underwear, as well as trawls of several public databases, have not furthered our search for Ava’s parents as yet. However, we do believe that Ava was born at around 38 to 39 weeks gestation, and that the pregnancy may have been concealed or unregistered.
We continue to appeal directly to Ava’s mum or dad to come forward and speak to us, or anyone who may know who her parents are.
Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley from our Major Incident Team 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.”
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.

DI Louise Kelly appeared on the BBC show Crimewatch Live to appeal to the public for more information on Baby Ava. You can watch the feature here - BBC iPlayer - Crimewatch Live - Series 22: 8. Search for Truth