Man arrested for murder as baby boy dies after being rescued from river
'I know his loss will be felt by the entire community and our thoughts are very much with his loved ones'
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A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a baby boy died after he was rescued from a river.
Believed to be almost 12-months-old, the child was recovered from the River Irwell in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, by firefighters who attended the scene along with other emergency services.
Although he was rushed to hospital, the baby died a short time later.
A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning, Greater Manchester Police said.
It is understood investigators are treating the matter as a domestic incident.
"This is an incredibly tragic incident that has led to an innocent baby boy losing his life and we are doing everything we can to support his family at this unimaginably devastating time," Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels said. "I know his loss will be felt by the entire community and our thoughts are very much with his loved ones this evening.
"A murder investigation is under way and we are working hard to piece together the circumstances that led to the baby boy ending up in the water. Whilst we have a man in custody, our investigation is ongoing and I'd urge any witnesses or anyone with any information to get in touch as soon as possible so that we can find out what happened to him."
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8797 or 101 quoting incident number 1930 of 11/09/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.