Murder investigation launched after 'toddler's body found in Manchester'

Police visited the house because of a domestic incident just two days ago

The murder took place in Beaford Road, south Manchester (Google)

A man has been arrested after a toddler was found murdered in a house in south Manchester, police have said.

The force visited the property in the Wythenshawe area because of a domestic incident just two days ago.

Officers found the boy's body when they were called to another domestic disturbance at around 12.05am on Sunday morning.

Neighbours on Beaford Road told local media the boy was three or four-years-old, but The Independent was unable to independently verify this.

"I have seen a little boy play outside from time to time but I have never spoken to anyone who lives there," one said.

"It's a shock because this is a really quiet street."

The child has not yet been formally identified and the nature of his injuries has not been revealed.

Police said when they arrived at the house in the early hours of Sunday morning, a man and woman had already left the property to go to hospital.

The woman is said to be suffering from serious injuries and detectives are waiting to question her.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held by police.

Superintendent John-Paul Ruffle told reporters: "We have had one previous domestic incident reported on August 25 and that investigation was still ongoing.

"A self-referral will be made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)."

He said the investigation was at an "early stage" and he could not disclose many details of the case, including the age of the victim - although he described him as a young toddler - and the nature of the injuries.

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place later.

Mr Ruffle said: "This is an absolutely tragic case and I know the community will be horrified and saddened to hear the tragic news this morning and our thoughts at this time are with the family, friends and all others in the local community who have been affected by this incident.

"I want to offer my reassurances that we have launched a full murder investigation and have a team of detectives working on this case to establish exactly what has led to this young boy's death.

"Although we have made an arrest I would stress that this investigation is at an early stage and I would urge people not to speculate on this deeply distressing incident.

"There will be a scene at the property for a number of days while officers investigate the case and you will see more police within the area to provide reassurance to the local community."

Additional reporting by Press Association