Dad pays heartbreaking tribute to ‘best mate’ five-year-old found dead on New Year’s Eve

The dad of a boy who was found dead on New Year’s Eve has paid a heart-breaking tribute to his ‘best mate’.

Dylan Scanlon, 5, was pronounced dead at a house on Elm Road in Oldham just after 6.20pm on January 31.

Greater Manchester Police have said an investigation is under way into the circumstances of the death of the child, who has been described as a ‘happy, funny and cheeky little boy’.

A woman in her 30s has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Dylan’s dad said: “Dylan was my best mate.

“He was a happy, funny and cheeky little boy, who was full of excitement – especially about doing new things.

“Dylan loved going to school, playing with his friends and dogs and going for drives with me to parks and lakes. He loved being at the lake but not walking around it – he was there for the ice cream, a ride on daddy’s shoulders and a McDonald’s on the way home.

“His favourite times of year were Christmas and his birthday – he knew he’d be spoiled.

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“I’ve been looking through memories on my phone – videos of him crawling and learning how to walk. I will always remember his face when I got home from work – he was always happy to see me and I loved spending any time with him that I could.

“Dylan will be sadly missed by all family and friends, especially his brother, who he loved and absolutely adored. I loved watching them playing with each other, looking after each other and just doing what brothers do.

“On behalf of my family, I ask people to respect our privacy.” 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 1995 quoting 2284 31/12/21. Alternatively, the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Featured image: Greater Manchester Police