A baby’s body has been discovered in a field, police said.

The remains were found at about 12:30 GMT by a woman who had been walking her dog near Ashtons Field in the Little Hulton area of Salford.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said detectives were working with other agencies to establish the identity of the infant it was calling “Baby A”, as well as how and when he or she had died.

Police said it was too early to know Baby A’s gender, ethnicity or age and how long the infant’s body had been in the field. It said a post-mortem examination would take place in the next two days.

GMP’s district commander for Salford, Ch Supt Neil Blackwood, said: “At this stage we are following several lines of inquiry and we are working with local partner agencies.

“We know this news will devastate our communities and while we do not have all the answers yet… I want to reassure residents we will do all we can to find out what has happened.”

He asked anyone with any information to come forward.

“The most important thing for us right now is to find answers for this baby.

“Even the most minor of detail could be crucial to our investigation.

“If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days or know who the parents could be please call as soon as you can.”

He added: “As soon as we are in the position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.”