Body of baby discovered in garden
The body of a newborn baby was discovered wrapped in a shawl in a garden today.
Emergency services were called but the child, thought to be up to a week old, was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Detectives are appealing for information to track down the baby's mother over concerns for her welfare.
A woman found the child near her front doorstep in Bury, Greater Manchester, at 11am yesterday. Officers have not yet disclosed whether the baby was a boy or a girl.
A cause of death has not yet been established and a post-mortem examination and further tests on the body are being carried out but there were no obvious signs of injury.
One theory police are examining is that the child was stillborn, perhaps to a mother who fell pregnant and could not tell anyone.
Detective Superintendent Sam Haworth of Greater Manchester police said: "There are obvious health concerns with the mother and we want to make sure she is safe.
"If you know of any women or girls who were pregnant and due to give birth in the last week and had been acting strangely, or if the news of the baby being found dead is seriously affecting someone you know, then please call us."
