Police had previously been called to home where toddler was found murdered

Police were called to a previous domestic incident two days ago, at the home where a toddler was found murdered.

The body of the boy, who has not yet been formally identified, was found in the early hours of Sunday when officers went to a semi-detached house in Wythenshawe, Manchester.

Officers had responded to a report of domestic disturbance and it has emerged that police went to the address in Beaford Road on Friday after a similar incident.

A 31-year-old man is being questioned on suspicion of murder while police are waiting to speak to a woman who is in a serious condition in hospital.

Both the man and woman had left the property to go to hospital by the time police arrived at the quiet residential area.

Superintendent John-Paul Ruffle, of Greater Manchester Police, told reporters: “We have had one previous domestic incident reported on August 25 and that investigation was still ongoing.

“A self-referral will be made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).”

He said the investigation was at an “early stage” and he could not disclose many details of the case, including the age of the victim – although he described him as a young toddler – and the nature of the injuries.

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place later.

Mr Ruffle said: “Today we have launched an investigation after a young boy was murdered in Wythenshawe.

“At about 12.05 this morning police were called to Beaford Road to a report of a domestic incident. On arrival they discovered a man and woman had left the address and gone to hospital.

“When officers entered the property, sadly they found the body of a young boy.

“The woman is being treated for serious injuries in hospital and a 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning.

“This is an absolutely tragic case and I know the community will be horrified and saddened to hear the tragic news this morning and our thoughts at this time are with the family, friends and all others in the local community who have been affected by this incident.

“I want to offer my reassurances that we have launched a full murder investigation and have a team of detectives working on this case to establish exactly what has led to this young boy’s death.

“Although we have made an arrest I would stress that this investigation is at an early stage and I would urge people not to speculate on this deeply distressing incident.

“There will be a scene at the property for a number of days while officers investigate the case and you will see more police within the area to provide reassurance to the local community.”

A cordon is in place around the modern house, which appeared to be a rental property.

Also within the cordon was a Volkswagen Polo car, parked in the driveway.

Neighbours said they were woken by the sounds of sirens from police cars and ambulance.

One said: “I have seen a little boy play outside from time to time but I have never spoken to anyone who lives there. It’s a shock because this is a really quiet street.”

Another said they thought a man, woman and child had lived at the address for about three months.