AN ENTIRE town is in shock following the devastating news that a 12-month-old boy has died after being allegedly "thrown into the River Irwell".

This morning tributes have been flooding in with many leaving flowers, cards and other tributes at the bridge off Blackburn Street.

The child, named locally as Zackari, was pulled from the river by emergency services shortly after 4.30pm and given specialist treatment but died a short time later.

Radcliffe North Councillor, Cllr Paul Cropper, said: "The whole town of Radcliffe will today be in mourning at the tragic passing of such a young child.

"Although we still do not know the full circumstances surrounding what happened yesterday, what is clear is that a very young life has been cut devastatingly short.

"My thoughts are with the family and close friends who will be feeling the most immeasurable despair and pain."

Speaking yesterday evening, Councillor Sean Hornby who runs The Queens in Bradley Fold, Radcliffe, added: "People who have come into the pub this evening are very saddened, shocked and dismayed at the tragic death of this child.

"We don't know the circumstances surrounding the death and I hope anyone who saw or knows anything will to contact the police. An innocent child has died tonight."