Toddler drowns in health club pool

A toddler has drowned in the swimming pool of a health club, police confirmed today.

It is believed the 20-month-old girl wandered off alone and within moments somehow got into the pool at the Esporta fitness centre at the Lowry Outlet Mall in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester.

The child was rushed to hospital after the incident, which happened at around 4.40pm on Sunday, but doctors were unable to save her.

Neither the girl's name nor that of her parents has been released.

Police confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances and the incident appears to have been a tragic accident.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "At 4.40pm on Sunday 10 July 2011, police were called to Esporta at the Lowry Outlet Mall, Salford Quays, following reports a baby had drowned.

"Officers attended and the toddler, aged 20 months, was taken to hospital but sadly died a short time later.

"An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the baby's death is ongoing but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances."

An Esporta spokesman said: "We can confirm that, due to a serious incident, the Esporta club at Salford Quays was closed on Sunday to allow for investigation to take place. It will remain closed throughout Monday.

"Due to the nature of the investigation we are unable to give any details regarding the event, and we apologise to members for any inconvenience caused by the closure. At this terrible time our thoughts and wishes are with the family affected."