Child 'thrown' from West Gate bridge on ramp at Spotswood Article from: Herald Sun
Sarah Wotherspoon
January 29, 2009 09:47am
UPDATE 11.14: A MAN is in police custody after a little girl was allegedly thrown from the West Gate Bridge this morning.
The girl, believed to be five years old, was pulled from the water by water police close to the pumping station at Spotswood about 9.30am.
The man in custody is believed to be from Hawthorn, Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay told 3AW radio.
Witnesses told police they saw a man stop on an inbound lane near the top of the West Gate. It is believed the young child was then thrown over the edge.
He threw the child into the waters below and then driving off, they said.
Police say the vehicle was a white Toyota 4WD and the incident happened around 9.10am.
They have appealed to the public to provide any information they may have.
Ambulance Victoria spokesman Paul Bentley told ABC radio that the child had been flown by helicopter to the Royal Children's Hospital in a critical condition.
"The child suffered fairly extensive injuries and the paramedics spent some time trying to resuscitate the child," he said.
Ambulance Victoria was called just after 9.30am to a report of a child in the water underneath the West Gate Bridge, Mr Bentley said.
"I understand the police boat was used to get the child from the water to the Yarraville side."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit website www.crimestoppers.com.au
