Two teenagers have been taken into police custody following the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy, whose body was discovered near a river in northwestern France with a wet towel tied around his neck. The incident has prompted a murder investigation by French authorities.
Discovery of the Body
The boy, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was found lifeless on the banks of the Vilaine River in the city of Rennes on Sunday afternoon. A fisherman alerted emergency services after hearing a child's cries around 4:40 PM. Firefighters arrived at the scene ten minutes later, but despite all efforts, the young boy was pronounced dead at the location.
Arrests Made
On Monday, Rennes prosecutor Frederic Teillet confirmed that a 16-year-old boy was arrested at his home, and a 15-year-old girl surrendered herself at a police station. Both are now in custody on charges of murder of a minor. Teillet stated, "It is therefore the two young people who were seen with the victim at the scene on the afternoon of the incident who are currently in police custody."
Details of the Incident
The victim was initially reported as 12 years old, but authorities later corrected his age to 11. Local media reports indicate that the boy's mother had been searching for him at the time of the incident. He had told her he was going fishing in the area with a friend. The fatal events unfolded in a wooded area at the foot of several apartment buildings, beneath a bridge crossing the Vilaine River. It remains unclear how the three children knew each other.
Investigation Ongoing
The organised and specialised crime division has taken charge of the investigation. Police divers have been searching the river for evidence, and authorities are working to piece together the circumstances leading to the boy's death.
