Full investigation into apartment block death of child, council says

A “full investigation” will be carried out into the fall and death of a five-year-old boy in an east London block of flats, the local council has said.

The boy, named locally as Aalim Makial Jibril, is said to have fallen from the 15th floor of Jacobs House on New City Road, Plaistow, shortly before 6am on Thursday.

Newham Council described Friday’s incident as “truly devastating” and said it was trying to establish “the fullest possible understanding of what happened”.

Air ambulance paramedics, police and firefighters attended, but the boy died at the scene.

Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

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

“What they have gone through with the loss of Aalim, their child, is truly devastating and they will need time and space to mourn such a terrible loss.

“We are carrying out a full investigation to reach the fullest possible understanding of what happened and will fully support any further investigations.

“Once all relevant facts are established and investigations are concluded, which we will do as quickly as possible, we will provide an update.”

Floral tributes were left at the scene of the incident.

A GoFundMe page set up to cover funeral and memorial costs for the victim’s family has so far raised more than £1,000.

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