POLICE have launched a murder investigation after a baby boy died when he was thrown from a bridge into a river today.
A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after the baby, believed to be almost 12 months old, was hurled into the River Irwell in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester.
A little boy is battling for his life after he was thrown into a river from a bridge in Greater Manchester[/caption]
The baby was hurled into the River Irwell, Radcliffe with a man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder[/caption]
According to witnesses the suspect was arrested as he was sitting in a nearby pub, The Lock Keeper, with cops called at around 4.25pm.
Paramedics battled to save the little boy after firefighters rescued him.
Eyewitnesses said the tot was pulled from the river about 100 yards from the bridge.
He was rushed to hospital, but died a short time later.
‘DEVASTATING’ DEATH
Local residents expressed their horror and said onlookers were left in tears.
The daughter of a barmaid at the Lock Keeper said the suspect “came in and asked for a drink but said he had no money.”
She added: “Then loads of people came in screaming that there’s a baby in the river.
“He sat there and stared, he didn’t move so the police were phoned and he just told a customer that he’d thrown his baby in the river.”
Anastasia Ward, who lives next to the bridge said: “I saw the mum walk past with the baby around 4pm. It’s a boy around 18 months.”
BABY BRIDGE HORROR
Two fire engines, ambulances, police cars and a police helicopter were scrambled to the scene as a huge emergency response was launched near the town centre.
Teddy Barrow said on Facebook: “It was a very small child in the river i thought it was a doll when I seen it.”
Another resident posted: “I was there 30 mins ago and everybody there was crying and saying a man has thrown his newborn in. He has been arrested.”
Another local wrote: “The whole of Radcliffe will be heartbroken tonight.”
A police cordon remains in place and cops are appealing for information.
A children’s play area close to the scene was reportedly on lockdown.
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.
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“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.”
Detectives arrested the man in a local pub, eyewitnesses said[/caption]
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