Man, 32, quizzed over tot’s death

Photo: Darren Robinson

REPORTERS descend on Shaw: Assistant Chief Constable Heywood talks to reporters from national and international media.

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A 32-YEAR-OLD man remained in police custody this morning after being arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of two-year-old Jamie Heaton in the Shaw gas blast — which experts confirmed was not caused by a mains leak.

He was being quizzed today as the family of the tragic toddler paid tribute to a “happy, loving little boy.”

The youngster died in the massive explosion in Buckley Street on Tuesday which left neighbour Andrew Partington (27) in hospital with serious burns, destroyed four houses and saw more than 100 local residents evacuated. Miraculously only three other minor injuries were reported.

Police say they will have “significant questions” for Mr Partington when he revives.

A domestic argument involving the injured man took place in the hours before the blast, after which his partner left the house with her six children.

Steve Heywood, Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, said: “We have had some information to suggest it may not be accidental. We are treating it as a suspicious death.”

The arrest came late last night after police had earlier said they may be dealing with a murder inquiry.

Jamie was watching TV at the time of the explosion. In a statement, relatives said: “Jamie was a happy, loving little boy. He touched the hearts of all who knew him.”

Mr Heywood said it was only by chance that Michelle Heaton, Jamie’s mother, was not in the house when it was reduced to rubble in the explosion.

“Jamie was in the house watching TV and his mother had just slipped out into the back yard, hanging out washing,” he said. “What that mother must be going through must be unbelievable, so our hearts go out to her.”

A National Grid spokesman confirm that the explosion asn’t caused by a gas main leak, but that investigations into domestic supplies and appliances hadn’t yet been possible.

A 32-year-old man remains in custody for questioning.


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