A BABY BOY WHO WAS THROWN INTO THE RIVER IRWELL HAS DIED AFTER WHAT POLICE ARE DESCRIBING AS A DOMESTIC INCIDENT

Police have opened a murder investigation after a child believed to be almost 12-months old - died shortly after being recovered from the river Irwell after being thrown in by a 22-year-old man.

Shortly before 4.25pm today (Wednesday 11 September 2019), police were called to reports that a child was in the River Irwell near to Blackburn Street.

Emergency services immediately attended along with the police helicopter assisting overhead. Rescue teams recovered a baby boy from the waters of the Irwell and he was taken to a nearby hospital.

Sadly we have to report that he has unfortunately died a short time later despite the best efforts of paramedics and specialist doctors.

A 22-year-old man, who was arrested at a nearby public house, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody tonight for questioning.

Blackburn Street is currently closed at the junctions with Stand Lane and Radcliffe New Road whilst enquiries are carried out at the scene by specialist scene of crime officers.

A murder investigation has now been launched and detectives are urging any witnesses to get in touch as a matter of urgency.

Police have told us that they are treating the tragedy as a domestic incident.

Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels of GMP said:

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“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 underway and we are working hard to piece together the circumstances that led to the baby boy ending up in the water.

“Whilst we have a man in custody, our investigation is ongoing and I’d urge any witnesses or anyone with any information to get in touch as soon as possible so that we can find out what happened to him.”

 

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8797 or 101 quoting incident number 1930 of 11/09/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.