Two arrested following Heywood baby body find
Date published: 25 July 2018
Picture courtesy of Google Street View
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a baby girl was found in Heywood woodland.
They are blieved to be the dead baby's parents.
At around 7.10am on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, police were alerted to the body of a baby in woodland off Peel Lane, Heywood, near to the old rubbish tip site.
An investigation into the circumstances was immediately launched and forensic examinations determined the baby – named by detectives as Pearl, meaning Precious, was born with a congenital defect that resulted in her missing two ribs.
In the past three months, officers have been following extensive enquiries including DNA analysis to find out exactly what happened to Pearl.
Today (Wednesday), a 48-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman, have been arrested on suspicion of murder, concealing a birth and preventing a lawful burial.
They remain in custody for questioning and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, who headed up the Major Incident Team investigation, said: “This continues to be an incredibly heart-breaking case for everyone involved - from the detectives working painstaking hours to find those responsible to members of the public that have felt the loss of Pearl.
“While we have two people in custody, our investigation is still very much ongoing and I would continue to urge anyone with even the smallest piece of information - no matter how insignificant it may seem - to please get in touch.
“We’re committed to finding the truth for this little girl and truly believe the public could hold the key to this tragic case.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4810 or 07387 705 768 quoting incident number 368 of 04/04/18.
Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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