Man held after death of baby boy ‘thrown into river’

A MAN is in custody on suspicion of murder after a baby died last night who had reportedly been thrown off a bridge into a freezing river.

The boy, aged under two, was plucked from the River Irwell, in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, by firefighters who raced to the scene around 4.25pm.

He was given first aid by the water’s edge before being taken to hospital, but died shortly afterwards.

The 22-year-old suspect has been arrested.

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.

“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.”

Helicopter

According to sources, the suspect was sitting in the nearby Lock Keeper pub when Greater Manchester Police officers arrived at the scene.A local worker said: “I saw a man being arrested near the pub, and later I saw a woman in a police car.”

The police immediately detained the man on suspicion of – at that point– attempted murder. Eyewitnesses said that two fire engines, ambulances, several police vehicles and the force helicopter were at the area.

Enzo Cabuderra, who works at the nearby Italia Mia restaurant, said he arrived to find police and ambulance staff.

“It’s difficult to know how people can do something like that,” he added. “It’s very sad.”

One local said: “We live seconds away. My daughter wanted to see the helicopter hovering and said ‘Dad, a crime must have been done’. Never did we expect this.”

Local workers were in shock after learning what happened with one saying: “Who would do that to a baby?”