Murder arrest after 'unexplained' death of boy, 9, in Droitwich
- Published
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of a nine-year-old boy found in a critical condition at a house in Worcestershire.
The boy, named locally as Alfie Scott, died in hospital after the callout to an address on Vashon Drive in Copcut, Droitwich, on Thursday afternoon.
A woman, 33, has also been arrested on suspicion of child neglect.
Police said they were treating the death as "unexplained" and inquiries are continuing.
The arrested man is 39 years old.
The boy has yet to be formally identified, the force added, though his next of kin had been informed and were being supported by specially trained officers.
"This is a tragic incident that has seen a young boy lose his life and our thoughts are with his family at this awful time," said Det Insp Ed Slough, from West Mercia Police.
"We are currently treating the boy's death as unexplained and are carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances."
Emergency services, including two air ambulances, were called to the address shortly after 14:30 GMT.
Neighbours described the boy as "a lovely lad", "chatty", "polite" and "caring", and always playing outside.
The force said it was aware of rumours circulating online suggesting the boy had been stabbed.
"We would like to clear this up and say there were not stab wounds found on the young boy," Det Insp Slough said.
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