Woman held after newborn dies in suspected fall

A 43-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after an 18-day-old baby girl died following a fall from height at a residential property in London.

Police said the woman was detained at a flat on Horseferry Road in Westminster on Saturday morning, March 14, and remains in custody as detectives investigate the circumstances of the infant’s death.

Officers were called to the address at about 7:30am after reports that the newborn had fallen. Paramedics tried to save the child and took her to hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

Detectives described the incident as deeply tragic and said they believe it took place in a domestic setting.

Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, said officers were carrying out urgent inquiries and appealed for anyone with information to come forward. She said the force’s thoughts were with the baby’s family.

Police have asked anyone who may have seen what happened before the fall to contact authorities on 101 and quote reference 1596/14MAR.

A police cordon was later set up along Great Peter Street near Horseferry Road as forensic teams examined the scene. Officers wearing protective suits were seen working inside a third-floor flat in the Peabody Estate while traffic was diverted in the area.

A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service said the baby was treated at the scene before being taken to a major trauma centre.