Residents speak of their shock after toddler is seriously injured falling from Portsmouth flats

A two-year-old girl was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries after the incident at Mulberry House in Bedford Street, Somers Town, just after 6pm yesterday.

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

Today the street cordon had been lifted but forensic vehicles were seen outside the five-storey block with officers inside the apartment as investigations continued.

Residents in the block were saddened by the disturbing event, which saw the girl fall about 40ft.

One said: ‘It’s such a horrible thing.

‘The girl fell a long way down and landed between two teenage boys who shouted for help.

‘A man who was walking his dog came over and stayed with her before paramedics turned up.

‘She was unconscious but paramedics brought her round.’

It has not been revealed what led to the fall but residents said that windows in the flats could be opened wide, even on upper floors.

The woman added: ‘There are safety latches on windows but when you take them off you can open the windows right out. It was very hot yesterday.

‘If you have something to climb on, like a bed, then it is easy to get on the windowsill and out the window.

‘When my grandson stays with me I always lock the bedroom windows just in case.’

Another neighbour said: ‘It’s scary what’s happened. I just hope the girl is ok. The road was closed off with police and paramedics everywhere.

‘It was hot yesterday and most of us had our windows open. It is easy to push them out and climb up on the windowsill.’

Another resident added: ‘I was out but when I came back the whole place was cordoned off. It’s frightening. Hopefully the girl recovers.’

A police spokeswoman said: ‘Officers attended Bedford Street just after 6pm yesterday (May 29) following a report of a two-year-old girl being injured.

‘The girl suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital.‘We are making enquiries into the exact circumstances.’