South Yorkshire Police has launched a murder investigation following the discovery in the Wincobank area of the city on Sunday morning.
Officers received a report shortly before 6am on Sunday, 30 August, raising concerns for the safety of a newborn baby.
As part of enquiries, officers searched a property on Holywell Heights, where the baby girl was found.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “As part of our enquiries into this report, officers searched a property on Holywell Heights where the newborn baby was located.
“Sadly despite the best efforts of officers and paramedics, the baby was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Seven arrested as murder investigation launched
South Yorkshire Police has confirmed that seven people have since been arrested on suspicion of murder.
All seven remain in police custody while detectives continue their investigation. Police are also working to establish the ages of some of those arrested.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Knight said: “We are aware that 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.
“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.
“Our investigation is in its early stages, and we would like to remind people to avoid speculating about this incident.”
Police appeal for information
Detectives are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the newborn baby’s death and are asking anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Police have stressed that the investigation remains at an early stage and have urged members of the public not to speculate about what happened while enquiries continue.
Anyone with information relating to the incident should contact South Yorkshire Police.