Toddler Drowns In Health Club Swimming Pool

The father of a toddler who drowned in a health club swimming pool in Greater Manchester has paid tribute to a "much loved little girl".

Zainab Yusuf was at the Esporta gym at the Lowry Outlet Mall in Salford for a swimming lesson when she apparently fell into the pool.

The 22-month-old was with her parents and six-month-old sister Zarah, when it is believed she wandered off on her own.

Police and an ambulance crew were called to the scene and the young girl was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

Her father Zakary Yusuf said: "She was such a happy child, bright and loving, with a smile that could light up a room.

"Zainab could never be replaced and will always be in our hearts."

Greater Manchester Police said the toddler's death was a "tragic accident" and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

A family swimming session was said to be going on at the time of the accident on Sunday afternoon, but gym members said there are signs around the pool warning that it is not always supervised by a lifeguard.

A spokesman at the club said: "At this terrible time our thoughts and wishes are with the family affected.

"We can confirm that, due to a serious incident, the Esporta club at Salford Quays was closed on Sunday to allow for an investigation to take place - it will remain closed throughout Monday."