Baby boy dies after being pulled from river in Greater Manchester

A man is being held on suspicion of murder after a baby boy died hours after he was pulled from a river in Greater Manchester.

Police were called to reports a child was in the River Irwell in Radcliffe shortly before 4.25pm on Wednesday.

The boy was pulled from the water but died after being taken to hospital.

He is thought to have been about a year old.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody for questioning."

A police helicopter was used to rescue the child, GMP said.

It is understood officers are treating the matter as a domestic incident.

Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels said: "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.

"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."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 4.28pm to a rescue of a person in water in Pilkington Way, Radcliffe.

"Fire engines from Whitefield, Farnworth and Eccles attended the incident along with a water incident unit from Eccles.

"Crews rescued one casualty who was then handed over to NWAS (North West Ambulance Service)."

According to the Manchester Evening News, the nearby Lock Keeper pub and Fuzzy Ed's play area have been closed by police.

The paper also reports several witnesses saw the man who was arrested sitting in the pub before police entered.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident 1930 of 11/09/2019 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.