Woman arrested in case of death of football coach’s grandson
A woman has been arrested in connection with the death of the grandson of former Manchester United star Steve Bruce.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that a woman in her 40s has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Officers found a dead child at an address in the Borough of Trafford at around 07:10 BST on 18 October.
Four-month-old Maddison was the child of former Leeds, Fulham and Millwall striker Matt Smith, 35, who is married to the Blackpool manager’s daughter Amy, 37.
A GMP spokesperson said: “At approximately 7:10pm on Friday 18th October 2024 officers responded to a concern for welfare in Trafford and tragically found a child deceased.
“A woman in her 40s was arrested on suspicion of child neglect and has been bailed as we continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this death.”
Bruce, the current manager of League One club Blackpool, missed the team’s match against Barnsley on 19 October following the incident.
Later that month, the 63-year-old said in a message posted on the club’s official X account: “This has been the worst time of my family’s entire life and it’s something no family should have to endure.
“On behalf of the whole family, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the tributes and messages we have received from inside and outside the football world. It has touched us all.”
