A murder investigation has been launched in Sheffield after a newborn baby girl was found dead at a property in the Wincobank area, with South Yorkshire Police confirming seven people have been arrested on suspicion of murder as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a newborn baby in South Yorkshire. Police were called to an address in the Wincobank area of Sheffield just before 6am on Sunday over concerns for the safety of an infant. Officers searched a property on Holywell Heights, where the baby was found and pronounced dead at the scene. South Yorkshire Police confirmed that seven people have since been arrested on suspicion of murder.
What happened
The initial call to police was logged at 5.58am on Sunday, 30 August. Paramedics attended the property alongside officers and attempted to save the baby, who has been described by police as “the baby girl at the heart of this investigation,” but she was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of both medical responders and police.
Police have not publicly disclosed the baby’s cause of death, nor the identities or relationships of the seven people arrested, and have not said what initially prompted the concern for the infant’s safety.
Investigation under way
All seven people arrested in connection with the case remain in police custody. Officers say they are still working to establish the ages of some of the suspects, meaning their identities and exact ages have not yet been released.
The investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Emma Knight, with a dedicated team of detectives and officers assigned to establish exactly what happened. Police have specifically urged the public not to speculate about the case, stressing that the investigation remains in its early stages.
How to share information
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 194 of 30 August. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
