Emergency crews were scrambled to St Paul's Road, Barking, on Saturday after reports that a child had fallen from a height at a residential tower block. The girl, aged four, was taken to hospital but later died from her injuries, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
Police and ambulance response
The Met said officers were called at 11:00 on Saturday, 24 October, to reports of the incident and that an investigation into the circumstances is ongoing. At the present time the force does not believe the death to be suspicious.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the child's family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,”
said a Metropolitan Police spokeswoman. The reference number for the enquiry is CAD 2424/24OCT, and the force has asked anyone with information to contact police on 101.
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) confirmed it responded with multiple resources. Crews dispatched included an incident response officer, a clinical team manager, an advanced paramedic practitioner and London's air ambulance. The LAS said they treated a child at the scene before transferring the patient to a London major trauma centre.
What happened on the scene
Local residents reported a heavy emergency service presence on St Paul's Road following the early afternoon incident. Police established a cordon while paramedics and specialist teams attended. No further details have been released about how the child came to fall or whether others were present at the time.
Investigation and public appeal
Although the Met currently does not regard the death as suspicious, officers have opened an inquiry to establish the full circumstances. The force is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has relevant information to come forward.
- Police contact: dial 101 and quote CAD 2424/24OCT
- Incident location: St Paul's Road, Barking
- Time of call: approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 24 October
Local impact and wider context
Falls from height involving children, while uncommon, raise immediate safety concerns in dense urban housing, particularly in tower blocks. The community in Barking will be seeking answers about building safety and supervision, although police have not linked this incident to any wider criminality.
In recent years London authorities and housing providers have faced increased scrutiny over safety measures, with calls for clearer guidance on windows, balcony barriers and access to roof or stairwell areas. At this stage no information has been provided by the Met or the ambulance service about the specific point from which the child fell or any measures in place at the address.
Support for the family
The Met's statement emphasised sympathy for the bereaved family. No identification details have been released and officers will liaise with specialist teams to support the family during the inquiry.
Timeline
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~11:00, 24 Oct | Police called to reports of a child falling from height at St Paul's Road, Barking |
| Shortly after | London Ambulance Service and air ambulance attend; child treated at scene and taken to major trauma centre |
| Later on | Met confirms child has died; investigation launched (CAD 2424/24OCT) |
As the inquiry continues the Met has reiterated its request for witnesses to come forward. Any local residents who saw the incident or who have CCTV or dashcam footage are asked to contact police on 101, quoting the incident reference.
This office will continue to monitor developments and will publish further information as it becomes available from the Metropolitan Police and emergency services.
