Murder investigation launched after frozen body of newborn baby found wrapped in plastic bag

Police have launched a murder inquiry after a man discovered the frozen body of a newborn baby wrapped in a plastic bag in his neighbour’s house.

Two women have been held on suspicion of murder after the horrifying discovery was made at Norman Crescent, Rossington, in Doncaster, South Yorkshire on Thursday (16 December).

Darnell Jackson, 23, found the baby after his partner, Carol Hirst, 28, urged him to visit their neighbour’s home.

Mr Jackson told a local newspaper that he saw the baby in the foetal position wrapped in a  bag which “had been removed from the freezer”.

The 23-year-old new dad works at the local Herons Food store in the area and said he recognised the bag immediately.

He said the shocking incident has left the couple “traumatised”.

What have the police said?

South Yorkshire police said a girl, 17, and a woman, 45, were arrested last night on suspicion of murder after the body was discovered at the house.

Emergency services were called at 12.15pm where the baby was pronounced dead at the scene.

A cordon is still in place in the street while officers carry out work, and both suspects remain in police custody as detectives probe the death.

The force has asked people to avoid the area and for the public not to speculate the circumstances around the baby’s death.

Temporary Superintendent Jamie Henderson described the case as "tragic" and said investigations were still ongoing.

He said: “This is an extremely tragic case and I know the local community, and those further afield, will be very upset to hear about what has happened.

“At this time, our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death is in the very early stages and we ask the public not to speculate about the case.

“There is a cordon in place on Norman Crescent in the Rossington area while our officers carry out their work, and therefore we are asking members of the public to avoid the area at this time.”

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