A man has been charged with murder after the death of a baby boy who was pulled from a river in Manchester.

Zak Eko, 22, as been remanded in custody and will appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Friday.

He is charged with killing 11-month-old Zakari William Bennett-Eko.

The baby boy was pulled by firefighters from the River Irwell in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, on Wednesday.

Zakari was taken to hospital from the scene near Blackburn Street in the town centre, after reports that a child was in the water shortly before 4.25pm.

He died a short time later.

In an emotional post on Facebook, the child's mother, Emma Blood, wrote: “I lost my baby today. I love my little boy and did everything for him.

She added: "I wish I was dead instead. Let me grieve for my child, my whole world and so much more.”

Tearful mourners, many who were mothers with young children, have left flowers, soft toys and candles at the scene.

Among the tributes was a large cuddly bear with a card that read: "To a beautiful little boy. Sleep tight little man. Our thoughts are with your family. From all of us at Lidl Radcliffe."

One card with flowers read: "Goodnight and God Bless beautiful innocent boy. Fly high Angel."