Tributes have poured in after the remains of a baby were found at a house in Wigan.
Police officers made the heartbreaking discovery earlier this week at a home on Marsh Green following a 'call from a partner agency'. They were initially called to reports of a 'concern for welfare' before finding the baby's remains.
Five people - aged between 20 and 70 - were arrested on suspicion of concealing a death and unlawful burial. They have all since been bailed.
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Readers of the Manchester Evening News have now paid tribute to the baby, with the news being described as 'absolutely devastating'. Comments flooded in on the M.E.N Facebook page yesterday (Saturday).
Zoe wrote: "Absolutely devastating news. This is heartbreaking to see. Rest in peace beautiful little one."
James said: "Absolutely awful to hear RIP little one." Lousanne commented: "Poor little one rest in peace beautiful soul."
Lynette said: "The saddest news ever R I P little one." Donna commented: "Heartbreaking rest in peace little one."
Shocked neighbours also reacted to the news on the scene yesterday. "I’ve lived here for seven years and I’ve never seen anything like this,” one resident said.
“I’ve got kids. It is worrying.”
“It’s awful,” another neighbour, who lives just over the road, said. “I wouldn’t say this area is quiet per se, but I didn’t expect this. Nobody expected this.”
Police said the incident is believed to be 'isolated' at this stage with no threat to the wider public or community. Chief Superintendent Clare Jenkins from our Wigan district said: "This is a truly heart-breaking discovery, and I do not underestimate the impact that this news will have on the local community.
"I would like to reassure you that we have several teams of officers and specialist resources working diligently to find answers. You will likely notice an increased presence of our officers throughout the next week, if you have any concerns or want to share any confidential information, please do not hesitate to speak to them.
"In the coming days we will know more about the circumstances surrounding this incident, but we are confident that this is isolated, and there is no threat to the wider public. At this stage we are keeping an open mind, and we will provide updates as soon as we can."
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