Skeletal remains of baby found hidden in attic in Stockport

The skeletal remains of a baby hidden inside a suitcase in the loft of a house in Stockport have been found.

The infant boy’s remains were hidden in the attic of a semi-detached property on Berwick Avenue, in Heaton Mersey.

DNA analysis of the remains, as well as a police investigation, have so far been unable to determine precisely when the infant died, but it’s believed it could have been as long ago as 1959.

However, analysis did reveal the remains belonged to a baby boy.

The grim discovery was made on March 6th, 2022, but details only emerged at the formal opening of an inquest on the morning of Wednesday, September 13th 2023, at Stockport Coroner’s Court.

Police coroner’s officer Claire Smith told senior coroner Alison Mutch the remains of the male infant had not yet been identified.

When asked about the age of the infant, Ms Smith agreed the remains belonged to an infant but that she ‘cannot be more precise than that’.

The coroner’s officer also agreed that the time of death was ‘unascertained, broadly speaking’. The hearing was told ‘mitochondrial DNA testing’ was carried out.

Ms Mutch said ‘I think that provided a link to the family that resided there’, to the agreement of the coroner’s officer.

As she continued: “I think the family were clearing the address and they found a suitcase within the property in one of the rooms, and when they opened it these remains were found in it.”

Ms Smith replied: “That’s correct.”

Ms Mutch said the remains were ‘quite old’ as she continued: “The range is thought probably dating back to 1959,” as coroners’ officer Ms Smith agreed.

The hearing was told the police investigation into the discovery was ‘ongoing’.

After formally opening the inquest proceedings, the coroner adjourned the case for another hearing to be held on September 26th.

Nearby residents described their shock following the news revealed in the hearing, with one person saying police descended on the property last March.

She said: “Police were there for a few days. The last we heard was that it was a false alarm and that it was just a bundle of newspapers that were found. Obviously, that was wrong.”

At the time of the discovery, Greater Manchester Police, said: “Shortly after 11.30am today (March 6th 2022), we were called to a report of remains found at an address on Berwick Avenue in Stockport.

“The remains are believed to be historical and there is no evidence to suggest that the find links to any other on-going investigation. Enquiries are on-going.”

No further update has yet been provided.