Girl, 8, killed after falling from tower block balcony as woman arrested

25 August 2023 , 14:22

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The scene at Pickwick House (Image: David Clarke/Solent News)

An eight-year-old girl has died after falling from a balcony on a city tower block.

Police have arrested a 43-year-old woman on suspicion of child neglect after the child was pronounced dead in Portsmouth, Hampshire, on Thursday at around 6.30pm. Paramedics battled to save the youngster but she passed away from her injuries, police said.

Hampshire Constabulary are investigating. A force spokesman said: "We were called at 6.50pm on Thursday to reports of a child having fallen from a balcony on Wingfield Street, Portsmouth.

"We attended along with our colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service who treated the eight year old girl, who subsequently died. Her family has been informed. Officers will be in the area throughout the day to conduct enquiries. Anyone with any concerns can speak to our Neighbourhood Policing Teams that will be regularly patrolling.

"A 43-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of neglect of a child and remains in custody at this time."

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