Boy, 6, dies after falling over 150ft from Plaistow tower block

A six-year-old boy has died after falling from the 15th floor of a tower block in East London this morning (Thursday May 16). The boy fell more than 150ft from the block of flats shortly before 6am.

The Metropolitan Police rushed to Jacobs House on New City Road in Plaistow at 5.58am to reports that the child had fallen from a significant height. But they say the boy couldn't be saved and died at the scene.

A resident in the 16-storey building told the Evening Standard: "We are in utter shock." She added that she understood the boy had got up early and fallen from the window.

READ MORE: Man tried to rob friends then stabbed one in the chest in unprovoked attack

She said: “It was an accident but no one knows how it happened. People are looking for answers.”

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 5.59am today (16 May) to reports of a person fallen from height on New City Road, Plaistow. We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car and an incident response officer. We also dispatched a trauma team in a car from London’s Air Ambulance.

“Our first paramedics arrived on scene in approximately four minutes. Very sadly, a child was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The Metropolitan Police said: "We were called at 5.58am on Thursday, May 16 to reports of a child having fallen from height at New City Road, E13. Officers, London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended.

"At the scene a six-year-old boy had fallen from an upper floor of an apartment block. Despite the efforts of emergency services he sadly died at the scene. His family are aware and are being supported.

"The death is being treated as unexpected and enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances.

"Our thoughts are with the child’s family at this time. There were no arrests. A scene remains in place."

Got a story for us? Email anna.willis@reachplc.com.

Don't miss out on the biggest East London news. Sign up to our MyEastLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more.