DEVASTATED neighbours gathered to honour the memory of a tragic 11-month-old boy.

Members of the public gathered at Kenyon Community Gardens on Saturday, November 11, to see the unveiling of a memorial to Zakari William Bennett-Eko.

The toddler died after he was rescued from the River Irwell in Radcliffe in September and his passing shocked the community.

Around 30 people, including family and friends, gathered to see the headstone, which was funded by donations from residents and companies in the area.

Radcliffe East councillor Rhyse Cathcart was among those who attended to pay respect to the youngster.

“The community has been devastated by the death of Zakari and really we wanted to show some support,” he said.

“The whole of Radcliffe has come together after this tragic loss. People’s hearts are broken by such a tragedy. There’s no other way to describe it.

“Life is so precious and the life of a child touches everybody’s heart.”

An inquest into Zakari’s death opened at North Manchester Coroners’ Court in late September. The review found that the baby had died of “immersion”, although the hearing was adjourned until December.