SHEFFIELD — A newborn baby girl found at a house in Sheffield died from stab wounds, police have said. Officers were called to Holywell Heights in the Wincobank area on Sunday morning after concern was raised for the baby’s safety. Despite the efforts of police and paramedics, she died at the scene.
South Yorkshire Police said seven people, aged between 15 and 37, were arrested on suspicion of murder. Two of those arrested, aged 26 and 37, have since been bailed. On Tuesday, police confirmed that a warrant had been obtained to extend the time in custody for the remaining five while inquiries continue.
Det Ch Insp Tom Woodward, who is leading the investigation, said the case was deeply distressing for everyone involved and that detectives would pursue every line of enquiry to seek justice for the baby girl.
Police continue enquiries in Holywell Heights after baby’s death
Officers remain in the Holywell Heights area as the investigation goes on, and South Yorkshire Police have asked anyone with information to come forward. The force has not publicly set out how the baby came to be injured, and detectives have not said at this stage what happened before the emergency call was made.
The investigation has drawn a substantial police response, with detectives now working through what happened at the property and in the moments before the infant was found. The force said it remains focused on securing answers for the baby girl and for those affected by the incident.
Det Ch Insp Woodward said the response from first officers and paramedics, and now from detectives, had had a profound impact on everyone involved. He added that the local community would be thought to support the inquiry as it moves through what he described as a complex case.
Neighbours describe a quiet household with frequent visitors
A neighbour told the BBC that a family moved into the three-bedroom house around eight months ago. According to the neighbour, the household included a man, a woman and three teenagers.
She said the family appeared quiet, although there were often visitors and large gatherings at the address. Even so, she said there was little noise from the property and that neighbours would mainly hear the front door opening and closing.
The neighbour added that she had not heard any disturbance before police arrived on Sunday morning. She described a chaotic scene once officers and a medic were at the address, and said she was unaware of any pregnant women living there. She said she was confused to learn that a newborn baby had died at the house.
Murder arrests follow fatal discovery at Sheffield house
Seven people were initially arrested on suspicion of murder, with police later confirming that two had been bailed and five remained in custody after the time extension was authorised. Their ages range from 15 to 37, but officers have not released any further details about their identities.
South Yorkshire Police said the inquiry is continuing and urged anyone with information to contact them. The force has not provided a full timeline of events, and the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death remain under investigation.
Forensic and witness enquiries are likely to form a central part of the case as detectives seek to establish what happened at the house in Wincobank. Police have said their priority is to build a clear picture of the events that led to the infant’s death.
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