Woman charged with murder over death of newborn baby Callum found strangled near Warrington theme park 26 years ago

POLICE investigating the murder of a baby 26 years ago have charged a woman with murder.

Baby ‘Callum’ was found strangled and wrapped in plastic in woodland in the Callands area of Warrington in March 1998.

He was thought to be only a few hours old and weighed 7lb 8oz when discovered near Gulliver’s World Theme Park.

A post mortem found he had also been beaten around the head.

A murder investigation was later launched by Cheshire Police but cops failed to trace those responsible.

In July 2023 police arrested a man and a woman from Liverpool in relation to the incident, both were later released on bail.

On Monday, Cheshire Police rearrested the 54-year-old woman and charged Joanne Sharkey, of West Derby, Liverpool, with murder.

She has been remanded in custody and will appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Hannah Friend said: “I understand that this is an extremely emotional case which has attracted a lot of attention over the past twenty-six years, however I would ask people not to speculate.

“Criminal proceedings are now active against Joanne Sharkey, and she has the right to a fair trial."

The man who was arrested as part of the investigation has since been released without charge.

Officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death.

Although his true identity remains a mystery, cops called the boy Callum.

He was buried with no family members in Warrington Cemetery, his headstone reads: "Baby Callum, a precious child of God.

"With the love from the people of Warrington."