Investigation underway after newborn baby found dead in Sheffield

Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a newborn baby girl was found dead in a flat in Sheffield, police have said.

Emergency services were called to a property on Holywell Heights in the Wincobank area of the city at around 5.58am on Sunday following concerns for the safety of the baby. Officers attended and searched the flat, where the baby girl was found. Despite the efforts of police officers and paramedics, the baby was pronounced dead at the scene.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed in a statement that seven people have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody.

Police appeal for information

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Emma Knight said: "We are aware news of this will be deeply concerning and I want to reassure our local communities that we have a dedicated team of detectives and officers hard at work to ensure justice is secured for the baby girl at the heart of this investigation."

She added: "As part of our investigation seven people have been arrested on suspicion of murder. All of them remain in police custody at this time. We are working to determine the ages of some of those arrested."

DCI Knight also said: "Our investigation is in its early stages and we would like to remind people to avoid speculating about this incident."

The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the baby's death. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and it is not yet clear whether all seven arrested were living at the property or what their relationship was to the baby girl.

Scene remains active

On Monday morning, police vehicles and a cordon were present near the flat, with forensics officers at the scene. Police were seen searching the surrounding area, according to reports from Yorkshire Live.

Officers are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the force online or call 101, quoting incident number 194 of 30 August 2026.