Photograph: Pat Hurst/PA
The parents of baby girl whose body was found abandoned in woodland three months ago have been arrested on suspicion of her murder.
Detectives have been trying to discover what happened to the newborn since her body was found near an old rubbish tip in Greater Manchester on 4 April.
On Wednesday a 48-year-old man and 33-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of murdering the baby, concealing a birth and preventing lawful burial.
The arrests mark a significant breakthrough after police had to carry out DNA analysis to identify the baby girl, whom detectives named Pearl.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester police on Wednesday said the girl had been born with a congenital defect that resulted in her missing two ribs.
Det Supt Lewis Hughes, who headed the major incident team investigation, reiterated that police needed the public’s help to solve the case despite the arrests.
He 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.”
Her body was found in a popular dog-walking spot off Peel Lane in Heywood, near Rochdale, shortly after 7am on 4 April.
Police previously said that a DNA analysis found the the newborn was likely to be caucasian, although mixed heritage could not be ruled out. She was found abandoned, unclothed, with no blanket or nappy. Detectives drafted in a behavioural psychologist and made numerous public appeals for information to try to identify her.
