Police still investigating Portsmouth man and woman arrested on suspicion of child neglect after toddler fell 40ft from flat

POLICE have still not ruled out charging a couple with child neglect after a two-year-old plummeted 40ft from an apartment block window before miraculously surviving.
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Officers arrested a 29-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman, both from Portsmouth, on suspicion of child neglect following the incident at five-storey block Mulberry House, Bedford Street, in Somers Town on May 28.

They were also arrested for possession of a Class B drug and possession of a weapon for discharge.

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The pair were subsequently released on police bail with the authority confirming they would not be pursuing the arrest for possession of a weapon.

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 toddler was initially described as being in a ‘life-threatening’ condition after falling from the fourth storey before her situation improved - with the last police update revealing she was in a ‘stable’ condition at Southampton General Hospital.

Ten days on from the incident, the police have not yet made a decision on whether to charge the couple.

A spokesman confirmed ‘enquiries are ongoing’ as they consider whether to pursue matters or bring an end to the investigation over suspected child neglect.

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Police have not given a time frame on when they will make a decision by.

Police previously 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.’

Forensic officers were seen outside the block with officers inside the apartment taking photos the day after the toddler’s fall.

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Portsmouth man and woman arrested for neglect after toddler falls from block

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