Rio Smedley Murder: Man Questioned Over Killing Of Two-Year-Old

Police Reveal Injuries To Killed Toddler Rio

Police questioning a man over the murder of a two-year-old boy said today that the toddler died from abdominal injuries.

Rio Smedley was rushed to hospital from his house in Bolton, Greater Manchester, on Sunday evening as his pregnant mother Kirsty screamed in anguish, neighbours said.

Rio, who had a four-year-old sister, Ella, was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital after reports that he had suffered a cardiac arrest but doctors were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead on Sunday evening.

Today, police said a post-mortem examination found he had died of abdominal injuries.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) also said the 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of the boy's murder remains in custody for questioning.

The toddler's family, in a statement released last night by police, said; "Rio was the loving son of Kirsty, brother of Ella, grandson of Karen and Paddy, Gordon and Yvonne, nephew of Shaun and Jason.

"He will be greatly missed and the family now ask for some peace during this hard time."

Neighbours said Ms Smedley and her partner, a man in his 20s believed to be from Wigan, had only moved into the property in Bolton around two months ago.

Locals said Ms Smedley is pregnant by her partner, who is not the dead boy's father.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5740 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

See below for pictures as wellwishers flocked to the home of Rio yesterday...

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