Boy fighting for life after Trafford Centre walkway fall
POLICE INVESTIGATE INCIDENT FOLLOWING TEENAGER’S 25FT PLUNGE AT MALL
A TEENAGE boy is fighting for his life after falling from a bridge at the Trafford Centre.
Hospital staff are now fighting to save the 15-year-old, who suffered serious injuries and was last night in a critical condition.
At first it was thought the boy may have been involved in a fight prior to the incident on Saturday night – and a number of youths were arrested.
However GMP have now ruled out any altercation – and believe the incident is a tragic accident.
Police were called to the mall at 8.15pm on Saturday after reports wthat a boy had plunged from the walkway.
The youngster is understood to have fallen around 25ft from a covered bridge area that runs from the Debenhams’ end of the shopping mall to the car park.
In a statement GMP said: “Initial enquiries suggested he may have been involved in an altercation with a group of youths. However, this no longer appears to be the case.
“Five 15-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of assault. All have now been released with no further action.”
Det Sgt Stephen Warriner, from GMP’s Trafford borough, said: “This is a tragic incident which has left a boy fighting for his life in hospital. My thoughts are with his family who are understandably beside themselves at this awful time.
“We have been analysing CCTV and speaking to witnesses to try and understand exactly what happened.
“But I would urge anyone who might have seen anything to please contact us immediately.”
Police cordoned off parts of the shopping centre and car park while officers examined the scheme.
Det Sgt Warriner added: “We know this boy was in the shopping centre with a group of other boys before they went outside where he sadly fell.
“If you remember anything from that evening, no matter how small, I implore you to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information should call police on 0161 856 7525 quoting incident number 2045 of October, 28, 2017.
In a statement the Trafford Centre said: “Greater Manchester Police were called to the centre on Saturday evening in response to an incident in which sadly a boy was injured.
“We continue to do all we can to support the police’s investigation.
“Our thoughts are with the boy and his family.”