Newham tower block: Boy, 5, dies in fall from 15th floor kitchen window, inquest hears

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

Five-year-old Aalim Ahmed died at the scene after falling over a railing at Jacobs House flats in Plaistow, Newham, in the early hours of Thursday, May 16. An inquest into his death was opened on Friday, hearing that the young man died of multiple trauma after a “fall from a height”.

Aalim’s body was identified by his family after it was discovered by his father shortly before 6am. Emergency services were called after neighbors were alerted to the missing father’s “distressed” cries, Walthamstow Coroner’s Court heard. Paramedics attended the scene at 6.04am and police arrived three minutes later. Deputy Coroner Ian Wade KC said he was opening a “coronial inquest” as he was “quite satisfied that Ahmed’s death was not of natural causes”.

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

Abi Gbago, the council’s chief executive, said: “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.”

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