The parents of a baby found dumped in woodland have been arrested on suspicion of murder three months after the newborn was discovered by a dog walker.
Baby Pearl was found covered in bite marks from foxes and dogs just after 7am on April 4 at Bluebell Forest in Heywood, Greater Manchester.
Today, 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.
Police sources confirmed to MailOnline that they are Pearl’s parents and the couple remain in custody for questioning.
Detectives named the poor child Pearl, meaning precious, because they felt it was important for her to have an identity after such a short, tragic life.
A shrine left for Pearl was made by locals in Heywood woodland in April as police traced and arrested her parents today
A police officer brought a pink Moses basket from home to carry away the child, who police believe may have still been alive when she was tossed down the rocky slope
Her tiny body was removed in a pink Moses basket by a female officer who brought it from home to give the child some dignity.
Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Hughes (pictured) and his team have spent four months trying to find Pearl’s parents
Forensic examinations determined the baby was born with a congenital defect that resulted in her missing two ribs and officers suggested the abandoned infant may be the product of rape or incest.
In the past three months, officers have been following extensive enquiries including DNA analysis to find out exactly what happened to Pearl.
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.’
Flowers and cards have been left where the child lay and the person who found her has been left bereft, police said
Detectives believe the baby was carried up a hill in the Roch Valley Woods then rolled down a steep rock face into bushes.
Police were forced to abseil down to retrieve the newborn’s body.
A relative of the woman whose dog found the body said the woman ‘has not stopped crying since.’
‘It was an horrific sight. Something nobody should ever have to see,’ they added.
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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