River-plunge boy is 'sitting up in bed' but sister still critical

Ryan and Gabrielle Grady were rescued from the River Avon in Evesham, Worcestershire, on Thursday and airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Both children were critically ill when first admitted to the hospital and Gabrielle remains in a critical condition, but police said they were "delighted" with Ryan's improved condition.

Speaking outside Worcester Police Station, Det Supt Steve Cullen said: "I am delighted to report that the boy rescued from the river is now stable and today has been sitting up in bed and talking.

"The girl, however, remains critical."

The driver of the car, which "nose-dived" into the water at about

9.20am, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police declined to comment on the

relationship between the driver and the children.

Det Supt Cullen, who praised members of all three emergency services involved in the river rescue, added: "West Mercia Police wishes to emphasise that it is doing all it can to support the family, friends and colleagues – adults and children – of the victims.

"As to the investigation itself, this remains an inquiry into two attempted murders with a man being in custody – on suspicion of those offences – since shortly after the incident itself."

He said the police investigation was focused on "a considerable number of people and a substantial number of locations", adding: "Addresses in both Evesham and Worcester form part of the inquiry.

"Suffice to say that we are thoroughly investigating everything that may have had a bearing on this tragic incident."

Eyewitnesses described how the children's screams could be heard when the car entered the water from a field at Boat Lane in Evesham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the driver and Ryan were already out of the submerged car when paramedics arrived, but Gabrielle was trapped for almost two hours before she was pulled free by police divers.

The vehicle, a silver Vauxhall Vectra estate, was winched from the water yesterday morning and taken for forensic investigation.

At the children's school, classmates were being offered support by specially trained staff.

Graham Walker, the headteacher of Swan Lane First School in Evesham, said: "The school is deeply shocked and saddened by the recent events involving two of our pupils."