A man arrested on suspicion of throwing a baby into a river walked into a pub and 'sat there staring' before being arrested.
Police were called to reports that a child was in the River Irwell in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester , shortly before 4.25pm on Wednesday.
The boy, believed to be almost 12 months old, was recovered from the water by firefighters who attended the scene, near to Blackburn Street, along with other emergency services.
He was rushed to hospital but sadly died a short time later.
A 22-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
He was then later re-arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for further questioning, reports the Manchester Evening News.
It is understood police are treating the matter as a domestic incident.
The M.E.N understands that around the time of the incident, the suspect walked into the Lock Keeper pub.
According to an eye witness the man asked 'could he sit in the corner' but he had no money.
The witness added: "Staff said that was totally fine as people do that, and then loads of people came in saying 'oh my god there's a baby in the river'.
"Everyone was up barring him, he sat there and stared and didn't move.
"The police were phoned to say 'we think we have who you're looking for'."
Police arrived at the Lock Keeper and the man was arrested.
There was no answer when the M.E.N rang the pub earlier and it remains closed.
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 under way 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."
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 4.28pm to a rescue of a person in water in Pilkington Way, Radcliffe.
"Fire engines from Whitefield, Farnworth and Eccles attended the incident along with a water incident unit from Eccles.
"Crews rescued one casualty who was then handed over to NWAS (North West Ambulance Service)."
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.
