Newborn Baby Found Dead with Stab Wounds in Sheffield
Five individuals remain in custody as police extend detention for murder investigation in Holywell Heights.
Sarah Connor
A newborn baby girl was found dead at a Sheffield property on Sunday morning.
Police cordons remained around the property, forensic officers meticulously examining the scene; a cadaver dog systematically searched surrounding gardens and bins.
Seven individuals were initially arrested on suspicion of murder; two have since been released on bail.
A 26-year-old and a 37-year-old are now out on bail, while South Yorkshire Police secured a warrant to extend custody time for the remaining five individuals.
Neighbours claim a Slovakian family rented the house, moving in approximately eight months ago; one resident stated that as many as 12 people, including children and adults, could sometimes occupy the relatively small home.
Further residents claim the family were Slovakian and were not known to be working; individuals reportedly came and went throughout the day and night, every day of the week.
We recognise this is deeply distressing for those who would have loved to have a chance to love this baby girl, for the emergency services who responded and for the community who will inevitably be shocked by this incident.
Tom Woodward stated, "We recognise this is deeply distressing for those who would have loved to have a chance to love this baby girl, for the emergency services who responded and for the community who will inevitably be shocked by this incident."
Woodward added that everyone involved, from the first officers and paramedics to the detectives leading the investigation, has felt its profound impact; he also said, "We know the local community will hold her in their thoughts and support us as we work through this complex investigation."
Emma Knight reassured local communities, stating, "We are aware news of this will be deeply concerning and I want to reassure our local communities that we have a dedicated team of detectives and officers hard at work to ensure justice is secured for the baby girl at the heart of this investigation."
Our commitment to this little girl is unwavering.
Woodward affirmed, "Our commitment to this little girl is unwavering." He further stated, "We will confront every difficult and distressing challenge and pursue every line of inquiry with determination and care to secure justice for her."
Knight urged the public to avoid speculation, noting, "Our investigation is in its early stages and we would like to remind people to avoid speculating about this incident."