Five people remain in police custody

Police have revealed a newborn baby who was found dead in a Sheffield house was stabbed to death.

South Yorkshire Police (SYP) have confirmed a post-mortem has now taken place on the tot, who was found following a concern for safety on Sunday (August 30) morning at a house in Holywell Heights in Wincobank.

An SYP spokesperson said: “Following the tragic death of a newborn baby girl in Sheffield, a forensic post-mortem has been completed and a cause of death has been identified.

“An investigation has been ongoing to secure justice for the baby girl and yesterday (Monday 31 August) a forensic post-mortem determined that the baby died as a result of stab wounds.”

Seven suspects were initially arrested over the death of the baby and police have today revealed that they were aged between 15 and 37 years old.

A bouquet of pink and white flowers have been left outside the property on Holywell Heights, Wincobank. | Iconic Media

Two men aged 19 and 38, and two women aged 20 and 38 remain in police custody, alongside a 15-year-old girl.

A further two women, aged 26 and 37, have been released on bail.

Earlier SYP shared that detectives had been granted extra time to quiz five people arrested over the death.

A murder investigation was launched after police were called to the property just before 6am on Sunday following concerns for the welfare of a baby.

Officers found the newborn at the address, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

One resident who lives on the road spoke of his shock, saying that the area is usually “quiet” with little to no issues from neighbours.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Woodward said: “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.

"Everyone involved in responding to this tragedy – from the first officers and paramedics on the scene to the detectives now leading the investigation – has felt the profound impact of this investigation.

“Our commitment to this little girl is unwavering. We will confront every difficult and distressing challenge and pursue every line of enquiry with determination and care to secure justice for her.

“We know the local community will hold her in their thoughts and support us as we work through this complex investigation.”