Boy, 5, died after falling from 15th-floor window

Aalim Ahmed, aged five, died on 16 May 2024 after falling from a kitchen window on the 15th floor of Jacobs House, a residential block on New City Road in Plaistow. The assistant coroner, Ian Wade, concluded that there was no basis for issuing a report to prevent future deaths.

Coroner's Findings

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Mr Wade delivered a narrative conclusion at East London Coroner’s Court, stating that Aalim, who had autism, was incapable of making reliable judgments about his personal safety. The coroner found that the windows had become compromised and were not used appropriately. He added that there was no compelling reason why a landlord should have considered placing the child on the 15th floor, but that the height was not the significant factor, rather the condition of the windows.

The court heard that Aalim awoke in the early hours of 16 May, climbed onto a chair and then the windowsill of a double-turn and tilt window. He opened the window and fell, believing he could fly or come to no harm. He died at the scene from multiple injuries due to a fall from height, as confirmed by a post-mortem examination.

Conflicting Accounts of Window Safety

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Contrasting accounts of the windows' condition were presented at the inquest. Aalim’s mother, Sahra Osman, had reported safety concerns about the flat on multiple occasions over several months, fearing the windows were opening too wide and that she lacked keys to secure them. She described the flat, which was temporary social housing, as needing repairs and stated Aalim had no sense of danger due to his autism.

However, engineer Charlie Mann, sent by Newham Council, inspected the windows in December 2023 and reported they were functioning correctly at that time. He noted that restrictors, designed to limit window opening to 50-100mm, were in place. Following his inspection and discussions with Ms Osman about her son's autism, he recommended changing the restrictors to a lockable version. Contractors fitted new restrictors in January 2024.

James Mann, managing director of ABC Ltd, the firm employing the engineer, reviewed videos of police operating the window. He observed the window appearing to enter “dual mode”, where it tilted and turned open simultaneously despite the handle being in the tilt position. He stated that an adjustment was needed and that something was not quite right, but required further inspection for a clearer diagnosis.

Detective Inspector Jamie Humm, who investigated the incident, found no evidence or suspicion that Aalim had been forced from the window. He noted the flat appeared to be a loving environment and was satisfied there was no evidence of a crime.

Newham Council Response

John Gray, cabinet member for housing at Newham Council, described the incident as a tragic accident and expressed condolences to Aalim’s family and friends. He thanked the coroner for his thorough hearing of the facts.

What Happens Next

The assistant coroner concluded that no report to prevent future deaths was necessary. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Aalim Ahmed's death has concluded.