Council promise full investigation into death of ‘happy, beautiful’ boy who fell from high-rise

A five-year-old boy who plunged 150ft to his death from a tower block in east London was described by his school as a “beautiful, happy and caring” child.

Aalim Makial fell from a window on the 15th floor of Jacobs House on New City Road, Newham on Thursday morning.

Police, paramedics and an air ambulance arrived in Plaistow just before 6am but Arsenal fan Alam could not be saved.

Dozens of tributes, including a white teddy bear, were laid at the scene on Friday.

Headteacher Caroline Stone, of New City Primary School, told the Standard: “Aalim was a beautiful, happy and caring boy who thoroughly enjoyed school and was popular with all his friends.

“He was much loved by his family and all the staff at New City.

“This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this sad time.”

Loved ones placed a plastic dinosaur at the scene, while others left cuddly toys.

A friend said: “The mother is broken. She can hardly speak.”

One card left with flowers said: “To the family you are in our thoughts may he shine brightly in your hearts forever.”

Two online fundraisers, including one from a local mosque, had raised nearly £2,000 towards Aalim’s funeral overnight.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

“Our thoughts are with the child’s family at this time.”

Distraught residents of the 16-storey building demanded answers into how the plunge happened.

His aunt Maryan Hadafow - who described him as “a lovely boy” - said Alam had opened the kitchen window after waking up early for primary school.

Ms Hadafow claimed the Aalim’s mother had complained to Newham Council about windows which can be opened to their full extension by pressing a button on the inside.

Abi Gbago, chief executive of Newham Council, said: “Yesterday was a heart breaking and tragic day for all concerned, and we are united both in our grief, and in our determination to ensure the family are fully supported.

“What they have been through with the loss of Aalim, their child, is truly devastating and they will need time and space to mourn such a terrible loss.

“We are undertaking a full investigation to reach the fullest possible understanding of what happened, and will fully support any other investigations.

“Once all of the relevant facts are established and investigations are concluded, which we will do as quickly as possible, we will provide an update.”

A family friend, who visited the scene on Friday, added: “We are all devastated.

“I live in a block with my children nearby and what had happened has scared us all regarding safety.

“The mum had contacted the council about the window before, there needs to be an investigation. The little boy was a sweet soul, the whole community is grieving.”

Staff from the New City Primary School, where Aalim attended, also came to lay flowers.

In a statement a spokesperson for Newham Council said: “The council is continuing to establish the facts regarding this tragic incident. Until we have further information we’re unable to make any further comment.

“Our priority is to support the family at this devastating time.”

In March 2022, a 14-year-old boy plunged to his death from a seventh-floor balcony in Bow.

Marcel Bruchal, from Newham, was at his grandparent’s house.

An inquest heard he may have been trying to catch a glimpse of the night sky before he fell.