A woman has been arrested in connection with the tragic death of Madison Smith, the four-month-old grandson of football manager Steve Bruce.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a woman in her 40s was detained on suspicion of child neglect. She was questioned and subsequently released on bail pending further inquiries.

The arrest comes nearly two months after police discovered the deceased infant at a property in Trafford Borough, Greater Manchester, at approximately 7:10 am on 18 October 2024.

Madison Smith was the son of Bruce’s daughter, Amy, 37, and her husband, former Leeds United, Fulham, and Millwall striker Matt Smith, 35.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “An investigation remains ongoing, and we can confirm that a woman in her 40s was arrested on suspicion of child neglect. She has been questioned and released on bail pending further inquiries.

The Sun reported that Madison’s father, Matt Smith, found the baby unresponsive shortly after 7:00 am on 18 October. A source close to the family said: “Matt woke up and immediately went to check on Madison, only to find, to his horror, that he wasn’t breathing.”

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service added: “We attended a private address in Bowdon on 18 October 2024 following a 999 call at 07:07. One patient was taken to hospital. Two ambulances, a response vehicle, and an advanced paramedic were sent to the scene.”

News of Madison’s death was first shared publicly when Blackpool FC, Steve Bruce’s current club, released a statement explaining his absence from their fixture against Barnsley on 19 October.

The statement read: “The club can confirm that head coach Steve Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s fixture against Barnsley due to the tragic passing of his four-month-old grandson, Madison.

“Everyone at the football club sends their love to Steve and his family. We ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss.”

Madison’s funeral was held on 29 October, after which Steve Bruce issued a heartfelt statement:

“On Tuesday, we laid my grandson Madison to rest. It has been the most devastating period of my family’s lives and is something no family should have to endure.

“I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my entire family, to thank everyone for the tributes and messages of support from both within and outside the footballing world.”

Bruce’s son Alex, assistant manager at Salford City, also expressed his gratitude: “I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and well wishes.

“There are no words to describe the pain of the last two weeks, especially for Matt and Amy. Madison was the perfect little boy and the most wonderful nephew. Life will never be the same without him.”

The investigation into Madison’s death continues.