Man and woman released by police after toddler plummets from Portsmouth flats

A MAN and woman arrested on suspicion of child neglect after a toddler fell 40ft from an apartment block have been released on police bail while enquiries continue.
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The two-year-old girl, who was airlifted to hospital on Thursday night with what was then described by police as ‘life-threatening injuries’, is now said to be in a ‘stable’ condition following the incident at Mulberry House, Bedford Street just after 6pm.

Police are continuing to investigate the horrific events that saw the girl land on the ground between two teenage boys - sparking pandemonium in the Somers Town street as locals rushed to help the unconscious child.

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Officers confirmed they had arrested a 29-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman, both from Portsmouth, on suspicion of child neglect yesterday evening. This lunchtime they have been released as enquiries continue.

Police presence outside Mulberry House, Before Street Portsmouth on 28 May 2020.

Picture: Habibur RahmanPolice presence outside Mulberry House, Before Street Portsmouth on 28 May 2020.

Picture: Habibur Rahman
Police presence outside Mulberry House, Before Street Portsmouth on 28 May 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman

The man and woman were also arrested for possession of a weapon for discharge, and possession of a Class B drug - with the former charge now being dropped, it was confirmed by police.

A police spokeswoman said: ‘The girl is currently being treated at Southampton General Hospital where her condition is now described as stable.

‘Our enquiries into the exact circumstances are ongoing at this time.

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‘They have both been released on police bail while enquiries continue but no further action is being taken in relation to the allegation of possession of a weapon.’

The junction of Bedford Street and St James’ Road was cordoned off by Hampshire Constabulary on Thursday as police investigated the circumstances around how the child suffered the serious injuries.

Forensic officers were seen outside the five-storey block with officers inside the apartment on Friday.

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