Ellie Ames 17 May 2024

Council launches investigation after five-year-old dies in tower block fall

Council launches investigation after five-year-old dies in tower block fall image
Image: Google Maps

Newham Council will carry out an investigation following the death of a five-year-old boy who fell from a tower block of flats in east London on Thursday.

Aalim Makail fell from an upper floor of Jacobs House in New City Road, Plaistow, at around 6am on Thursday (16 May). He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Metropolitan Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious.

Newham Council chief executive Abi Gbago said: ‘Yesterday was a heartbreaking and tragic day for all concerned, and we are united both in our grief, and in our determination to ensure the family are fully supported.

‘We are undertaking a full investigation to reach the fullest possible understanding of what happened, and will fully support any other investigations.’

An anonymous resident of Jacobs House told the BBC the windows were of poor quality and that their design on high floors meant they were not safe for children.

The resident said: ‘You can actually unlatch the windows in the living room, kitchen and one of the bedrooms wide open which is clearly not meant to be safe. If a latch does break, it will not close properly and it could blow wide open no matter what.’

It has also been reported that the boy's aunt claimed that his mother had complained to the council about the windows being unsafe.

A spokesperson for the Building Safety Regulator said: ‘We are engaging with the appropriate agencies to understand the facts.’

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Assistant EHC Caseworker

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 up to £34,434 per annum
This is an excellent opportunity to join the SEND family of services. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Assistant EHC Caseworker

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 up to £34,434 per annum
This is an excellent opportunity to join the SEND family of services. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Curriculum Lead (SEND)

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839
Are you an outstanding educator with a passion for inclusive learning, curriculum development and supporting colleagues to achieve excellence? North Yorkshire / countywide
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Engagement, Progression and Employability Lead

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 to £42,839 per annum
Are you passionate about helping young people overcome barriers, achieve their aspirations and move into positive destinations? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Wellbeing and Personal Development Lead

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 to £42,839 per annum
Help Transform Lives Through Wellbeing, Personal Development and Inclusion North Yorkshire / countywide
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner