Newborn girl stabbed to death in Sheffield: seven arrested over Wincobank murder
A newborn baby girl found fatally injured at a house in Sheffield's Wincobank area died of stab wounds, police have confirmed. Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Newborn found dead with stab wounds at Sheffield home
A newborn baby girl discovered at a house in the Wincobank area of Sheffield died as a result of stab wounds, South Yorkshire Police have confirmed, as Google News UK — Crime (en) reports.
Officers were called to Holywell Heights on Sunday morning following reports of concern for the infant's safety. Despite the efforts of police and paramedics at the scene, the baby did not survive.
Seven people, aged between 15 and 37, were arrested on suspicion of murder. Two of them — aged 26 and 37 — were subsequently bailed. On Tuesday, police confirmed a warrant had been obtained to extend the custody period for the remaining five suspects while inquiries continue.
Det Ch Insp Tom Woodward, who is leading the investigation, said the case had left a profound mark on everyone involved in the response.
"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," he said.
Woodward added that the investigation team's commitment to the child was unwavering. "We will confront every difficult and distressing challenge and pursue every line of inquiry with determination and care to secure justice for her," he said.
He also called on the local community to support the investigation as officers work through what he described as a complex case.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed that officers were continuing their work in the Holywell Heights area and asked anyone with relevant information to come forward.
A neighbour told the BBC that a family — a man, a woman and three teenagers — had moved into the property around eight months ago. She described the household as quiet, though with frequent visitors and regular large gatherings at the three-bedroom house.
"We'd only hear the front door opening and closing, but they never gave us any concern," she said.
The neighbour said she heard nothing unusual at the property before police arrived on Sunday morning, and that a chaotic scene followed their arrival, with numerous officers and a medic attending. She said she had been unaware of any pregnant women living at the address and expressed confusion upon learning that a newborn had died there.
Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)