Agony of father as son, 5, found dead at home
THE father of a five-year-old boy who was found dead on New Year’s Eve has paid tribute to his ‘best friend’ in an emotional online post.
Dylan Scanlon died at the semidetached home he shared with his mother in Oldham, Greater Manchester, shortly after 6pm on Friday.
His heartbroken father Gary Keenan declined to comment at the scene but wrote on Facebook yesterday: ‘To my Dylan, I love you more than everything in this world.
‘You were my best friend and I’m really going to miss you son. Sweet dreams and we will meet again one day. Love you son. R.I.P Dylan, love daddy.’
Greater Manchester Police said yesterday that a woman in her 30s had been detained under the Mental Health Act. Neighbours have described how Dylan’s mother begged for help after running into the street shouting, ‘he can’t breathe’.
One neighbour said: ‘A woman, who lives a few doors away, heard what was going on and went into the house.
‘She saw him [Dylan] slumped on the sofa and tried to give him CPR but it was too late. It is so cruel and tragic. He was such a beautiful little boy.’
Police have started an investigation and said the case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to ‘previous contact’.
Detective Superintendent Chris Packer, of Greater Manchester Police, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the child’s loved ones at this heartbreaking time. Specialist officers will offer them support.
‘Our investigation is in the early stages and we’d ask anyone with information to contact us or Crimestoppers immediately.
‘Due to previous police contact, this incident has been referred to our professional standards branch and will be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
‘This sad news is bound to cause distress in the community.’ The outside of the house
‘Heaven has a beautiful angel’
was covered with floral tributes and teddy bears yesterday, among them Peppa Pig cuddly toys and Thomas the Tank Engine characters.
One tribute had the message: ‘Fly high to the angel sky, little one.’ Another read: ‘Sleep tight, little Dylan. Heaven has a beautiful angel.’
One bouquet had a childlike drawing of two children holding hands with the message: ‘I’m going to miss you, Dylan.’
Jayne Street, a family friend, has organised a fundraising page to help pay for the cost of Dylan’s funeral.
She wrote: ‘Dylan was just five years old. He’s innocent and just a baby.’
The fund had reached £1,645 by yesterday afternoon thanks to 137 donors.