Death of Steve Bruce's grandson 'not criminal'

Jonny Humphries
BBC News, Manchester
PA Media Steve Bruce, who has grey hair, on the touchline at a Blackpool match wearing a black gilet with the club crest over a dark long-sleeved top. PA Media
Steve Bruce said he had been "touched" by messages of support after his grandson's death

The death of a baby boy who was the grandson of former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce was "not criminal", police have said.

Madison Smith was four months old when he died at a house in Trafford on 18 October 2024.

A woman in her 40s had been arrested on suspicion of child neglect but Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said no further action was being taken against her.

Madison was the son of Bruce's daughter Amy and her husband Matt Smith, a retired footballer who played for Leeds, Fulham and Millwall.

'Worst time of our lives'

GMP said detectives from its Child Protection Investigation Unit had concluded their investigation and a file was being prepared for the coroner.

A force spokesperson said: "While the circumstances are tragic, we don't believe any criminality was linked to this death."

Bruce, 64, currently the manager of Blackpool FC, posted on X shortly after Madison's death: "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."

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