Girl, 8, dies after falling from balcony at Portsmouth tower block as woman, 43, arrested

Emergency crews attend Pickwick House in Portsmouth.

Pic: Stu Vaizey — Emergency crews attend Pickwick House in Portsmouth. Pic: Stu Vaizey

An eight-year-old girl died after falling from a balcony at a Portsmouth tower block yesterday evening – with a woman arrested.

As reported, emergency crews swarmed en masse outside Pickwick House, Wingfield Street, Buckland, around 6.30pm with the area cordoned off to a “serious” incident.

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Police have now confirmed that a girl died after falling from a balcony with a 43-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of neglect.

An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the tragic incident.

A police spokesman said: “We were called at 6.50pm on Thursday to reports of a child having fallen from a balcony on Wingfield Street, Portsmouth. We attended along with our colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service who treated the eight year-old girl, who subsequently died. Her family has been informed.

“Officers will be in the area throughout the day to conduct enquiries. Anyone with any concerns can speak to our Neighbourhood Policing Teams that will be regularly patrolling.

“A 43-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of neglect of a child and remains in custody at this time.”