A baby boy has died after being thrown from a bridge into the River Irwell in Radcliffe .

Police say a murder investigation has been launched after the tragic incident on Blackburn Street on Wednesday afternoon at around 4.25pm.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning.

It is understood police are treating the investigation as a domestic incident.

The baby boy was rescued by firefighters who gave him first aid at the scene.

He was taken to hospital where he sadly died a short time later despite the best efforts of paramedics and specialist doctors.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Eyewitnesses said the baby was recovered from the river near the Lock Keepers Pub, around 100 yards down the river from the bridge on Blackburn Street.

A large police cordon remained in place into Wednesday evening as Tactical Aid Officers, along with forensic investigators combed the scene for evidence.

Scores of local residents took to social media to express their shock after details of the tragedy began to emerge.

(Image: MEN)

One person wrote on Facebook: “The whole of Radcliffe will be heartbroken tonight."

Vincenzo Cabuderra, who works at Italia Mia restaurant in nearby Stand Lane, said he arrived at work at about 5pm to find a number of police and ambulances outside.

He added: “It’s shocking that something like this has happened.

“It is difficult to understand how people can do something like that. It is very sad."

(Image: Steve Allen)

Police said they are urgently seeking witnesses to the incident.

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."

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.