Police in France have detained two teenagers after an 11-year-old boy was found dead near the Vilaine River in the city of Rennes in northwestern France.
According to prosecutors, the child’s body was discovered on the riverbank with a wet towel tightly tied around his neck.
Teen Boy and Girl Taken Into Custody
Rennes prosecutor Frederic Teillet said a 16-year-old boy was detained at his home on Monday, while a 15-year-old girl later surrendered herself at a police station.
Officials stated that the two teenagers had reportedly been seen with the victim near the scene on the afternoon of the incident.
The suspects are currently being held on charges linked to the “murder of a minor.”
Fisherman Alerted Authorities
Investigators said a local fisherman first contacted police after hearing a child crying near the river area. However, he was unable to locate the victim at the time.
A short while later, the boy’s body was found near the riverbank.
Emergency crews and firefighters attempted to save the child after reports of cardiac and respiratory arrest. Despite their efforts, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mother Was Searching for Her Son
According to French media reports, the victim’s mother had been searching for him during the incident.
The child had reportedly told her he was going fishing near the river with a friend before he disappeared.
Authorities said the incident happened in a wooded area beneath a bridge crossing the Vilaine River, close to several apartment buildings.
Investigation Continues
Police divers searched the river area on Monday while officers blocked access to the scene during the investigation.
Authorities have not yet explained how the three minors knew each other.
The organised and specialised crime division is now handling the ongoing investigation.
