Man charged with attempted murder of his children after river plunge

A man who drove his car into a river, leaving his two children, who were passengers, in hospital has appeared in court today charged with attempted murder.

Ryan and Gabrielle Grady were rescued from the River Avon in Evesham, Worcestershire, on Thursday and airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Both children were critically ill when first admitted to hospital and five-year-old Gabrielle's condition remains critical, but police said Ryan, 6, appears to be "recovering quite well".

The vehicle, a silver Vauxhall Vectra estate, entered the water from a field at Boat Lane in Evesham at around 9.20am on Thursday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the driver and Ryan were already out of the submerged car when paramedics arrived, but Gabrielle was trapped for almost two hours before she was pulled free by police divers.

Christopher Grady appeared before Worcester Magistrates' Court today charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident.

Both children were critically ill when first admitted to hospital and five-year-old Gabrielle's condition remains critical, but West Mercia Police said Ryan, six, appeared to be "recovering quite well".

The vehicle, a silver Vauxhall Vectra estate, entered the water from a field at Boat Lane in Evesham at around 9.20am on Thursday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the driver and Ryan were already out of the submerged car when paramedics arrived, but Gabrielle was trapped for almost two hours before she was pulled free by police divers.