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Rochdale woodland baby death: Two people arrested Rochdale woodland baby death: Two held in murder investigation
(about 5 hours later)
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a baby was found in woodland. A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a baby girl was found on woodland.
The girl's body was found by a dog walker near Peel Lane, Heywood, Rochdale on 4 April. Police later named her 'Pearl', meaning precious. The newborn, named Pearl by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), were found by a dog walker near Peel Lane at a beauty spot in Heywood, Rochdale on 4 April.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a man, 48, and a woman, 33, both from the Rochdale area were arrested earlier. Police said a 48-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman, both from the Rochdale area, had been held for questioning.
The pair have also been arrested on suspicion of concealing a birth and preventing a lawful burial. The pair have also been arrested on suspicion of concealing a birth and for allegedly preventing a lawful burial.
No blanket Officers have been carrying out extensive inquiries, including DNA analysis and drafting in a behavioural psychologist, to piece together what had happened.
They are believed to be related to the child who was found abandoned, unclothed, with no blanket or nappy in a remote area of Roch Valley Woods. Detectives are searching premises in George Street, Heywood.
GMP said forensic examinations found the baby was born with a congenital defect that resulted in her missing two ribs. The Press Association reported that its sources had confirmed that the suspects, who remain in custody for questioning, were the child's parents.
The force said officers had been making extensive inquiries including DNA analysis to find out exactly what happened to the girl, whose body was found near an old rubbish tip. GMP refused to confirm their identity.
Det Supt Lewis Hughes 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." 'Incredibly heartbreaking'
He added the investigation was still "very much ongoing" and urged anyone "with even the smallest piece of information no matter how insignificant it may seem" to get in touch. Forensic examinations determined that the girl had been born with a congenital defect that resulted in her missing two ribs. She was probably newborn and likely to be Caucasian, although mixed heritage could not be ruled out.
"We're committed to finding the truth for this little girl and truly believe the public could hold the key to this tragic case," he said. The girl was found abandoned, unclothed, and with neither a blanket nor a nappy.
Senior Investigating Officer Det Supt Lewis Hughes said: "This continues to be an incredibly heartbreaking 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."
A permanent memorial is to be created in tribute to the baby following a campaign from a group of local mothers who said they did not want her to be forgotten.A permanent memorial is to be created in tribute to the baby following a campaign from a group of local mothers who said they did not want her to be forgotten.
Rochdale Council has approved plans for a bench with a plaque bearing Pearl's name on a bridge near Peel Lane.Rochdale Council has approved plans for a bench with a plaque bearing Pearl's name on a bridge near Peel Lane.