Two-year-old Rio Smedley died from abdominal injuries
Police questioning a man over the murder of a two-year-old boy have said the child died from abdominal injuries.
Rio Smedley was taken to hospital from his home on Cheriton Drive, Breightmet, Bolton, on Sunday afternoon amid reports he was having a cardiac arrest.
He was pronounced dead on Sunday evening. A 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody for questioning.
The arrested man is the partner of the boy's mother, Kirsty Smedley.
Greater Manchester Police said a post-mortem examination found Rio had suffered severe abdominal injuries.
Det Insp Chris Wood, from the major incident team, said: "I would like to extend my sympathies to this young boy's family and friends at what is clearly a very difficult and emotional time for everyone.
"The investigation is in the early stages and a dedicated team of detectives are working to establish exactly what happened.
"We understand this has caused concern in the community and is deeply upsetting for all involved.
"We have specially trained officers supporting the family and the community are also rallying round to do their best to help them in any way they can."
Rio's family have paid tribute to him, saying he was a loving son who would be missed.
"Rio was the loving son of Kirsty, brother of Ella, Grandson of Karen and Paddy, Gordon and Yvonne, nephew of Shaun and Jason," they said.
"He will be greatly missed and the family now ask for some peace during this hard time."