A teenager was arrested after the death of a 12-year-old child found in Rennes.

A 16-year-old minor was arrested Monday morning in Rennes, the day after the body of a 12-year-old boy was discovered in the Saint-Hélier district. The announcement was made by public prosecutor Frédéric Teillet, as the murder investigation continues.

The victim was found on Sunday around 17 p.m. in a wooded area on the banks of the Vilaine River, at the foot of an apartment building in the neighborhood. According to initial information released by the prosecutor's office, a wet bath towel was "tied very tightly around his neck." Despite the rapid intervention of emergency services and paramedics, the child could not be revived at the scene.

An investigation into the murder of a minor under 15 years old

A significant police presence was deployed Sunday evening to secure the area and allow forensic investigators to conduct their initial investigations. They also carried out further searches along the banks of the Vilaine River to find any potential clues related to the circumstances of the tragedy.

An investigation has been opened for "murder of a minor under 15 years of age" and entrusted to the organized and specialized crime division in Rennes. At this stage, the prosecutor's office has not released any further information about the profile of the arrested suspect or the possible motives for this crime, which has caused widespread shock in the city.