Police chief describes murder of newborn baby as "deeply traumatic incident" for community in Sheffield
"I would like to thank our communities, who I know will have been deeply impacted by this traumatic incident”
A police chief has thanked Sheffield communities for supporting officers during their investigations into the tragic murder of a baby girl.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Woodward shared his message after five people were charged in connection with newborn’s murder, which took place on Sunday, August 30.
Peter Horvath, aged 19, Nina Horvathova, 37, and Peter Horvath, 38 - all of Holywell Heights, Sheffield - have been charged with murder, causing or allowing the death of a child, and perverting the course of justice by taking steps to conceal the killing of an infant.
Andrea Skopova, aged 20, formerly of Robey Street, Sheffield, faces the same charges,
A 15-year-old girl, who can't be named for legal reasons, has been charged with perverting the course of justice.
DCI Tom Woodward described the charges as “a significant step in our investigation” after police and crime scene investigators have spent the past three days at Holywell Heights.
Officers were originally called to the street in Wincobank on Sunday following reports of concern for the safety of a baby, however despite their best efforts the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem later revealed that the newborn had died as a result of stab wounds.
"I would like to thank our communities, who I know will have been deeply impacted by this traumatic incident, for supporting us as we work through this intricate investigation,” DCI Woodward added.
"We would ask the public to avoid speculating and posting information online about this case while the legal process takes it course.
“Protecting the integrity of the criminal justice process is crucial to us securing justice for this little girl."