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A newborn baby girl found fatally injured at a house in Sheffield died as a result of stab wounds, South Yorkshire Police have confirmed, as detectives continue a murder investigation that has led to the arrest of seven people.
The baby was discovered at a property on Holywell Heights in the Wincobank area of Sheffield on Sunday morning after police were called following concerns for her safety. Despite the efforts of police officers and paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Seven people aged between 15 and 37 were arrested on suspicion of murder. Two suspects, aged 26 and 37, were later released on bail, while detectives secured a warrant on Tuesday to extend the time five other people could remain in custody as inquiries continued.
The investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Tom Woodward of South Yorkshire Police, who said the death had had a profound impact on emergency workers, investigators and the wider community.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that the newborn died from stab wounds after being found inside the property in Holywell Heights.
Detectives are now continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the baby girl's death and the events that led police to attend the address on Sunday morning.
The nature of the investigation has resulted in an extensive police response, with officers continuing their work in the Wincobank area while gathering evidence and pursuing information that could help establish what happened.
Daily Dazzling Dawn understands that the investigation remains active and that officers are examining every available line of inquiry.
Police have not released further details about the relationships between those arrested and the baby girl, while the criminal investigation continues.
The seven people arrested in connection with the investigation are aged between 15 and 37.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that two of those arrested, aged 26 and 37, were subsequently released on bail. The remaining five continued to be held after detectives obtained a warrant extending the time they could be kept in custody while further inquiries were carried out.
The extension allows investigators additional time to progress inquiries under the relevant legal process. No further details about the five suspects have been released.
Any criminal charges would be determined through the formal legal process following the completion of the police investigation and consideration of the evidence.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Woodward said investigators recognised the deep distress caused by the death of the newborn baby.
He said the tragedy had affected those who responded to the emergency as well as members of the local community.
“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.
The senior detective added that everyone involved in responding to the death had felt its impact, from the first police officers and paramedics at the scene to the detectives now leading the inquiry.
“Our commitment to this little girl is unwavering,” Detective Chief Inspector Woodward said.
“We will confront every difficult and distressing challenge and pursue every line of inquiry with determination and care to secure justice for her.”
He added that investigators expected the local community to support the inquiry as detectives worked through what he described as a complex investigation.
Officers remain active in the Holywell Heights area as part of the continuing investigation.
South Yorkshire Police has appealed for anyone with information that could assist detectives to come forward.
The force has not disclosed further details about the circumstances that led to concerns being raised for the newborn's safety or what investigators believe happened before police and paramedics arrived at the property.
Daily Dazzling Dawn learned that detectives are continuing to assess evidence and information gathered during the investigation while maintaining contact with those affected by the incident.
The death of the newborn has caused profound shock in Sheffield, with the investigation now focused on establishing a full account of what happened and securing justice for the baby girl.
As inquiries continue, South Yorkshire Police has urged members of the public who may hold information relevant to the case to contact officers.
