Woman apprehended following death of football coach’s infant grandson

A woman has been apprehended in relation to the passing of the infant grandson of Steve Bruce, a former Manchester United star. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) verified that a woman in her 40s was arrested and subsequently released on bail, as further investigations into suspected child neglect proceed. Law enforcement personnel discovered a deceased infant at a property in Trafford Borough at approximately 07:10 BST on 18 October. Madison, aged four months, was the offspring of Matt Smith, 35, a former striker for Leeds, Fulham, and Millwall, who is married to Amy, 37, the daughter of Blackpool’s manager. A spokesperson for GMP stated: “At approximately 7:10am on Friday 18 October 2024 officers responded to a concern for welfare in Trafford and sadly found a baby deceased.” “A woman in her 40s was arrested on suspicion of child neglect and has been bailed as we continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this death.” Bruce, the current manager of League One club Blackpool, was absent from the team’s match against Barnsley on 19 October subsequent to the event. Later in the same month, the 63-year-old conveyed through a message published on the club’s official X account: “It’s been the worst time of my family’s entire lives and is something no family should have to endure. “I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the family to thank everyone for the tributes and messages from inside and outside the footballing world. It has touched us all.” For the top content from BBC Radio Lancashire, access Sounds, and connect with BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions can also be sent to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and through Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC holds no responsibility for the material on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.