Parents of baby Alia will not be arrested, say police

The funeral of baby Alia will take place tomorrow, more than two months after she was found in Ox Hey Lane.

It was revealed that the baby, who was named Alia by police and the Bolton Council of Mosques, was alive up to two hours after she was born.

Detectives are still trying to find out what happened and who the parents are.

Det Chief Insp Sarah Jackson said yesterday they will not arrest the parents if they come forward.

She added: “I completely understand that fear has grown as time has gone on, but I am urging the family of the little girl to come forward.

“If they speak to us I can guarantee they will not be arrested. We need to speak to them about what happened but have their welfare at heart.”

Police are expecting a big turnout from the Muslim community and said the funeral is open to people of all faiths.

Notices were put up in every mosque in the borough yesterday about the funeral.

The Bolton Council of Mosques (BCOM) have arranged the funeral. There was a note on the bag Alia was in which requested an Islamic burial.

Det Chief Insp Jackson added: “This is a really difficult time and I urge the parents or family of this little girl.

“We are going to be burying their daughter and it is important to take the opportunity to give her the name they want her to have.”

Police believe she could have been left in the lane on Mother’s Day.

She was found on Thursday, March 14, by a couple walking their dog.

The funeral prayers will take place at 3pm at Zakariyya Mosque in Derby Street, Daubhill, followed by a private burial.

A Council of Mosques spokesman said: “It has been requested that this baby be given an Islamic burial and we will be ensuring this is done.”

He also thanked people who had offered to contribute to the cost of the funeral, but said the Council of Mosques would pay the bill.

Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 8565448, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.