Police are offering a £50,000 reward in a bid for information about Baby Ava, the newborn whose remains were found in a field in Salford one year ago.
One year on from the discovery of the baby girl’s remains in Little Hulton, police are still desperately trying to find out the baby girl’s identity and how she came to be in Ashtons Field.
A reward of £50,000 has now been secured from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, with an appeal for her parents to come forward, or anyone with information that helps identify Ava or her parents.
New developments since the discovery of the baby’s remains on 20 November 2024 have included recovering a piece of fabric that was a distinctive pair of ladies’ underwear.
The size large underwear are patterned with what police believe are cartoon donkeys – but this has given no viable lead.
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GMP’s lead investigator, Detective Inspector Louise Kelly from GMP’s Major Incident Team, 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.
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A ‘distinctive’ pair of ladies’ underwear discovered with Baby Ava. Credit: GMP
“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.”
DI Kelly continued yesterday, the one-year anniversary of the discovery of Baby Ava: “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.
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“To Ava’s parents, if they see this, we are here ready to speak to you and support you.”
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Our thoughts remain with Baby Ava and those affected by this tragic case.
“We are committed to supporting GMP in their efforts to find answers and bring closure.
“This reward reflects our determination to encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist with the police with their investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. Information can also be shared via the Major Incident Public Portal here.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces VAT cuts on household electricity bills over winter
Emily Sergeant
It’s been less than 24 hours since Andy Burnham officially became Prime Minister, and he’s already announced his first measure.
After giving his first speech as Prime Minister outside the doors of Number 10 yesterday, where he said he intended to ‘give people some breathing space’ straight out the gate, it has now been announced that millions of households across the UK will benefit from immediate action to help with their electricity bills this winter.
The Government says it wants to address the cost of living crisis first and foremost, and will do this by tackling rising bills with a tax cut to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills from 1 October, just in time to impact the next Ofgem price cap.
This immediate action applies and is funded for this financial year.
The cost of this immediate action for this financial year is being funded from the £1.8bn Digital ID programme – which Burnham also announced he would be scrapping.
Any further action – including on funding for longer-term measures – will be taken at the Budget, alongside an Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecast, and all decisions at that point will continue to be funded with the Government’s fiscal rules, it has been confirmed.
Cutting VAT on electricity bills is expected to take around £45 off the yearly Ofgem price cap in October, and this is on top of the £150 removed from bills at the last Budget.
All suppliers are expected to pass the VAT reduction on to all customers, including those on fixed tariffs.
Small businesses who qualify for the domestic energy VAT relief and are not registered for VAT, as well as charities and residential care homes eligible for the reduced rate, will also benefit.
“I said I wanted to give people breathing space, and that’s what I’m announcing on my second day as Prime Minister. We’re taking immediate action to cut taxes on energy bills, put more money in people’s pockets, and bring back hope.”
England international and ex-Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan dies at 75
Danny Jones
Football veteran and legend of the English game, Kevin Keegan OBE, has sadly died at the age of 75.
A former Liverpool and Newcastle player, not to mention England international, turned Manchester City manager and even Three Lions boss, his death was announced on Monday, 20 July.
The news comes following a battle with illness since the start of the year, after it was revealed that he was tragically diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer back in January.
The original ‘King Kev’ before the likes of De Bruyne, also affectionately known in the footballing world as ‘Mighty Mouse’, is said to have passed away with key members of his close family by his side.
Confirmed via a public statement issued to Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves, they wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.
“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. “Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather.”
Put simply, he had an incredible career and leaves a lasting legacy.
It goes on to read: “The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time, and they are requesting space and privacy.”
Naturally, tributes are already flooding in online, with ex-pros, pundits and fans alike labelling him among England’s best-loved father figures and characters, with one user notably dubbing him as “one of football’s good guys.”
Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, after battling cancer.
The England, Liverpool and Newcastle United legend will be remembered as one of English football's most decorated players. pic.twitter.com/oNIPUV806n
Even at his fiery and most passionate best, he was still one of the most respected figures in the history of English football and the sporting world at large.
For instance, arguably his most iconic interview as Newcastle boss ahead of his team’s clash against Manchester United back in 1995/96 only showed how mild-mannered he often came across.
Our thoughts go out to his friends, family, former teammates and all those mourning the familiar face with a famously good head of hair.
Daisy Jackson -
21st November 2025 
