Horror on Riverbank: Baby Thrown Into River and Dies
Zak Eko, a man with no fixed address, has been handed a hospital order and indefinite restriction after being found guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility. The shocking attack saw 11-month-old Zakari Bennett-Eko thrown into the River Irwell near Radcliffe in September 2019.
Tragic River Incident Caught by Witnesses
On 1st September 2019, police and emergency crews rushed to reports of a child in the river near the Lock Keepers Inn on Mill Lane. They pulled baby Zakari from the water, but heartbreakingly, he died shortly after arriving at hospital.
The court heard how Zakari’s father, Zak Eko, and his partner had eaten earlier at the pub. While mum was upstairs at home, Eko took Zakari out in his pram for a walk.
Witnesses say they saw Eko lift Zakari from the pram, swing him backwards and forwards, then hurl him over a fence into the fast-flowing river.
Public Rescue Attempt & Arrest
Members of the public tried desperately to save little Zakari, but the steep riverbank stopped them reaching him. The baby floated about a mile downstream, stuck in the water for over an hour before emergency teams managed a rescue attempt.
Meanwhile, Eko shockingly returned to the pub and casually sat down as the emergency unfolded. After admitting his actions to a fellow customer, police arrested him shortly after.
Family and Police Speak Out
“We’d like to thank everyone involved in this investigation who helped bring justice for Zakari. He will never be forgotten,” said Zakari’s family.
This horrific incident rocked the whole community,” said Duncan Thorpe, Senior Investigating Officer for GMP. “Baby Zakari’s life was tragically cut short after being thrown into a fast-moving river. Our thoughts remain with his grieving family.”
