A campaign has been launched to help pay for the funeral of a baby killed after being thrown into a river.

Police say a murder investigation has been launched after the tragic incident on Blackburn Street in Radcliffe on Wednesday afternoon at around 4.25pm.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning after the baby boy died after allegedly being thrown into the River Irwell.

READ MORE: 22-year-old in custody following death of baby

Within hours of the tragedy a Just Giving fundraising campaign was set up to raise £1,000 for the baby’s funeral.

Organiser Helen Coverdale wrote: “Today sadly a local little boy was thrown in the river Irwell This evening he has passed away and we would like as a community to raise money towards his funeral.”

She added: “Weʼre raising £1,000 to the funeral of the local little boy who sadly passed away after he was thrown in the river Irwell MONEY WILL GO DIRECT TO FUNERAL DIRECTOR.”

Within an hour more than £700 was pledged.

Visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/babyboyriverirwell?utm_id=106&utm_term=aeV3mYBx2&fbclid=IwAR2wBogkxHPIji1QHEGXDF_hMJVxPmpkyl7YJF2dFcAGp4J2UPv9iSAvlrw