Police were called to a property on Holywell Heights in the Wincobank area just before 6am on Sunday after reports concerning the baby’s safety. The child was pronounced dead at the scene. A postmortem examination later concluded the cause of death was stab wounds.
Seven people were initially arrested on suspicion of murder. Two, a 26-year-old and a 37-year-old, have since been released on bail, while five remain in custody after officers obtained a warrant for further detention.
Senior investigating officer DCI Tom Woodward said the force and emergency workers had been profoundly affected by the death and pledged a thorough inquiry. “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,” Woodward said. “Our commitment to this little girl is unwavering. We will confront every difficult and distressing challenge and pursue every line of inquiry with determination and care to secure justice for her.”
Specialist search officers have remained in the Holywell Heights area while detectives continue to examine evidence and follow lines of enquiry. Police asked local people to avoid speculation as the investigation progresses and said they understood the community would be shocked by the incident.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact South Yorkshire police online or by calling 101, quoting incident number 993 on 30 August 2026. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers as the force works to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death.
