Boy, 5, died in plunge from 15th storey kitchen window, inquest hears

24 May 2024 , 09:45

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Flowers left at the scene at Jacobs House in Plaistow, London, where five-year-old Aalim Ahmed died in a tragic fall (Image: Getty Images)

A little boy who died falling from a London tower block fell from his kitchen window on the the 15th floor, an inquest has heard.

Five-year-old Aalim Ahmed died instantly after falling on a railing from the flat at Jacobs House in Plaistow, Newham, early on Thursday, May 16. An inquest into his death opened on Friday, hearing the youngster died from multiple trauma injuries after a “fall from height”.

Aalim’s body was identified by his family after he was discovered by his father shortly before 6am. Emergency services were called after neighbours were alerted to the bereft father's "distressed" cries, Walthamstow coroner's court heard. Paramedics rushed to the scene at 6.04am and police arrived three minutes later. Assistant coroner Ian Wade KC said he was opening a “coronial investigation” because he is “quite satisfied that Ahmed’s death was not from natural causes”.

The boy was previously named locally as Aalim Makial Jibril and a GoFundMe has raised just over £1,000 for his funeral costs. Flowers were left at the scene and Newham Council is investigating the circumstances.

Abi Gbago, chief executive of the council, said: “We are undertaking a full investigation to reach the fullest possible understanding of what happened, and will fully support any other investigations. Once all of the relevant facts are established and investigations are concluded, which we will do as quickly as possible, we will provide an update.”

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Caroline Stone, head teacher at New City Primary School in Plaistow, said in the school’s weekly newsletter: “As you will have heard, Aalim had a tragic accident yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Susie Beever