DIRK Howell said "You what?" and called it "disgraceful" after he was arrested at Droitwich Railway Station for the murder of Alfie Steele.
Howell, 41, and the nine-year-old's mother Carla Scott, 35, are on trial for murder at Coventry Crown Court.
The jury on Friday were shown CCTV from Droitwich Railway Station which captured Howell arriving there in the afternoon of February 18, 2021 - the day Alfie died.
Howell could be seen rushing across the bridge over the railway tracks and pressing the button to open the door of a stationary train sitting on Platform 2.
However, Howell found the doors had already been locked and the train moved off.
Seconds later an officer arrived and told Howell he was under arrest for the attempted murder of Alfie Steele.
In police body camera footage, shown to the court, Howell was heard saying "You what?" after being informed of the arrest.
After being placed in handcuffs Howell then told officers he hadn't done the crime.
At one point he said it was "disgraceful" he had been accused.
Howell went on to ask if Alfie was alright, an officer replying they "genuinely didn't know".
The arrest was made at 3.33pm.
The jury has previously heard that Scott called 999 just before 2.30pm asking for an ambulance to come to the family home in Vashon Drive, Droitwich, telling the operator Alfie had fallen asleep in the bath and was not breathing.
READ MORE: Alfie Steele murder trial: Witnesses saw Dirk Howell in house
READ MORE: Trial hears witness saw Alfie not breathing on day of his death
READ MORE: Jury hears of the desperate efforts to save nine-year-old Alfie Steele
The jury has also previously heard Scott initially denied Howell had been at the home but - as interviews progressed - Scott changed her account admitting Howell had in fact been there.
Carla Scott denies murder, manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of Alfie and child cruelty offences against Alfie and other children.
Howell, of Princip Street, Birmingham, admitted child cruelty against other children before his trial, but denies murder, manslaughter, cruelty or causing or allowing the death of Alfie.
The trial continues.
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