Body of dead newborn baby found by walkers in Greater Manchester

Police 'deeply concerned' for the welfare of the child's mother

Walkers have found the body of a baby, believed to be a newborn, in a country lane in Greater Manchester.

Police were called to Ox Hey Lane, Lostock, near Bolton, at around 4.55pm yesterday afternoon after receiving a call that a body had been found.

Police said it was not yet known how long the baby had been there or how it died.

Supt Steve Nibloe said police were "deeply concerned" for the welfare of the child's mother and appealed for information.

Superintendent Nibloe said: "This is clearly a very upsetting incident and we already have a number of officers dealing with this at the scene and making other enquiries.

"We do not know with any certainty how long the baby has been there or how it has died and while I understand there will be concern in the community I want to reassure residents that we will be working hard to answer these questions.

"If anyone has any information whatsoever, regardless of how insignificant you think it might be, please get in touch.

"We are obviously deeply concerned for the welfare of the mother and if anyone has seen someone in the area or has any information about who you think the mother might be please call us."

Police have not yet confirmed the sex of the baby but said a post mortem examination is expected to take place on Monday.