Zak Eko: Father charged with murder after baby son recovered from river

Tearful mourners have left flowers, soft toys and candales near River Irwell

Zakari William Bennett-Eko was found in the River Irwell (Facebook)

A 22-year-old man has been charged with the murder of an 11-month-old baby who died after he was recovered from a river.

Zak Eko has been remanded in custody after Zakari William Bennett-Eko was found in the River Irwell in Radcliffe.

Zakari was taken to hospital from the scene near Blackburn Street in the town centre, after reports that a child was in the water shortly before 4.25pm on Wednesday.

He died a short time later.

Tearful mourners, many who were mothers with young children, have left flowers, soft toys and candles at the scene.

Among the tributes was a large cuddly bear with a card that read: "To a beautiful little boy. Sleep tight little man. Our thoughts are with your family. From all of us at Lidl Radcliffe."

One card with flowers read: "Goodnight and God Bless beautiful innocent boy. Fly high Angel."

A Greater Manchester Police statement said: “A man has been charged after a baby boy who was found in the River Irwell sadly died.

“Zak Eko has been charged with murder.

“He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Friday 13 September 2019.”