Mother Charged After Baby Found Dead in Leeds Park
A grim tragedy has rocked Leeds after a five-month-old baby girl was discovered lifeless in Woodhouse Moor park, also known locally as Hyde Park. The mother, 39-year-old Hayley Macfarlane from Barnsley, has now been charged with her daughter Evelyn’s murder.
Key Facts
- Suspect: Hayley Macfarlane, 39, faces murder charges over baby Evelyn’s death.
- Location: The tragedy unfolded in Woodhouse Moor park, Leeds.
- Court Date: Macfarlane is due in Leeds Magistrates Court this Saturday.
What Happened?
- Emergency Call: Police were alerted just after 5.45pm on February 1, reporting a baby in critical condition in the park.
- Scene: Officers found Evelyn near the crossroads of Clarendon Road and Moorland Road. Paramedics tried to save her, but she sadly died at the scene.
Police Investigation Underway
- Forensics: A part of Woodhouse Moor was sealed off as forensic teams combed the area for clues.
- Lead Unit: West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team is handling the probe.
- Official Comment: Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle said, “The death of a child in these circumstances is clearly a very tragic incident.” He urged anyone with information to step forward.
Community Left Reeling
- The local community is deeply shaken by the loss and spotlighted the importance of child safety.
- Support groups have offered condolences and are helping those affected deal with the shock.
We Need Your Help
- Public Appeal: Authorities want anyone who was in Woodhouse Moor around the time to come forward.
- How to Report: Contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 101 quoting ref 13230701073, or use the online chat feature.
This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the crucial need to protect our children. More updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
