A baby boy who was pulled from the River Irwell in Radcliffe this afternoon has died in hospital, Greater Manchester Police has said.
Officers said a 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in custody for questioning.
Police were called to reports that a child was in the River Irwell in Radcliffe shortly before 4.25pm on Wednesday.
The child, believed to be almost 12-months-old, was rescued after emergency services attended the scene and was taken to hospital where he was initially in a critical condition.
A police cordon is in place in Blackburn Street surrounding a town centre bridge and a murder investigation has been launched.
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.
