A 22 year old is in custody tonight on suspicion of murder after a baby was thrown into the River Irwell at Radcliffe this afternoon
Emergency services attended and with the support of the police helicopter the child was retrieved and taken to hospital in a critical condition.
The baby boy believed to be 11 months old and named locally as Zakari Bennett,sadly died a short time later despite the best efforts of paramedics and specialist doctors.
A murder investigation has been launched and detectives are urging any witnesses to get in touch as a matter of urgency.
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 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.”
Blackburn Street is currently closed at the junctions with Stand Lane and Radcliffe New Road.
