A man and a woman have been arrested after a newborn baby’s body was found in woodland outside Manchester.
The man, aged 48, and a 33-year-old woman are believed to be members of the baby’s family and were held on suspicion of murder, police said.
It comes after the baby girl, named by police as Pearl, was found in woods in Heywood, near Rochdale, on April 4.
The suspects were detained on Wednesday on suspicion of murder, concealing a birth and preventing a lawful burial.
Forensic examinations found that Pearl was born with a congenital defect that resulted in her missing two ribs.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, who led the inquiry, 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."
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.
