'Tragic. Awful. Horrible' - Nottingham neighbours' shock as boy, 8, dies after window fall

The boy was taken to hospital but did not survive his injuries

Neighbours have expressed their shock after an eight-year-old boy reportedly fell from the window of a house and died, describing it as "tragic", "awful" and "horrible." Police were called to Costock Avenue, Sherwood, at 7.15pm by East Midlands Ambulance Service.

The boy was taken to Queen's Medical Centre but did not survive his injuries, Nottinghamshire Police said. Investigations are continuing at the scene and officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with video doorbell footage or dashcam footage to get in touch.

Police remained at the scene when Nottinghamshire Live spoke to residents on Thursday (September 19) morning. Jodie Bower, a lunchtime supervisor at a nearby school, said: “I’m just so sorry for their loss."

“We all pulled together in the moment and we were all concerned and really worried about what happened,” said the 39-year-old. “I knew something serious had happened straight away.

"When my children were small I was petrified by the windows in our house too. I’d lock the windows and hide the keys. It’s so tragic and it’s scary how quick something like this can happen.“

Another neighbour was just returning from a night shift. She initially had no idea what had happened.

“That’s awful,” she said upon hearing the news. “They’re just my neighbours but I say 'hi' to them. I think there’s quite a few children who live there.”

“It was horrible,” said another neighbour. Her son was out at his car, sorting some fishing equipment out, when the boy fell. She cups her head in her hands when she speaks about it.

The woman, who has lived on the street for about 10 years, added: “It’s just… seeing them do something with that child. An 8-year-old child… you think of your own.” A resident explained that she and other neighbours came out to help.

She said: “I heard it all going off and looked out of my window,” she says. “I came out in my pyjamas. A neighbour found the boy and then soon after there was police, ambulance, paramedics here. The street was full. The police escorted them to hospital.

“They’re a really lovely family. Everyone on this street is lovely. We’re like a community.” Chief Inspector Jon Scurr said: "This is a tragic and devastating loss of life and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and loved ones.

"I would like to thank those that have already reported information to us, and would urge anyone who hasn’t yet done so to please make contact as soon as possible. We are acutely aware that incidents of this nature are incredibly distressing for all concerned, and are felt by the entire community. If you need help, or recognise that someone does, please access support through the NHS website or call 111.”

Anyone with information has been asked to call 101 quoting incident 671 of September 18, 2024.