Boy, 8, who died in horror window fall named as neighbours describe sickening scene

An eight-year-old boy who died after falling 20ft from a window has been named.

Eight-year-old Hamid Balal tragically plunged from the third floor of his home in Nottingham on Monday (August 16). Emergency services were called to the incident in Costock Avenue, Sherwood, at about 7.15pm.

Hamid was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Hamid’s death is not being treated as suspicious and police are continuing to work with the coroner, the Mirror reports.

READ MORE: 'Dangerous' gunman taken off the streets of Manchester

Neighbours said the youngster had previously climbed out of the window weeks earlier, leading to police being called. One told how he heard the sound of “smashing tiles” shortly before the boy toppled out of the window and off the sloping roof.

The man, who did not want to give his name, said: "I just heard like a crashing onto the tiles and then an initial hitting on the floor. Me and my dad just looked at each other and went ‘what was that?’, you know when something isn't right.

“I went around there. The guy next door came out and we both saw him. The guy next door did CPR. I phoned the emergency services and got them straight away, it was just awful.”

Detective Inspector Andrew Hall, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a tragic and distressing incident. Hamid’s family are being supported by officers and remain in our thoughts.

“As they continue to mourn the loss of a much-loved son and brother they have requested privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”

A statement from the force had earlier said: "Paramedics had responded to the scene after a child had been reported to have fallen from the window of a house. The child, an eight-year-old boy, was taken to Queens Medical Centre but has not survived his injuries. Officers remain at the address investigating the circumstances of the incident."

It added: "Anyone with information, or who may have captured dashcam footage of this incident, should call 101 quoting incident 671 of 18 September 2024." Chief Inspector Jon Scurr, of Nottinghamshire Constabulary, 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."

Many people have taken to social media to express their sorrow at what has happened with hundreds of messages on Facebook. One neighbour wrote: "It's absolutely devastating, this happened right across the road from us, everyone did what they could save the little boy, I've been in bits all night, shocked and saddened, rest In peace little man."

Another person said: "Sending my love and prayers to the little boys family and friends. And respect to all the first responders. So heartbreaking. Rest in Peace young man." A further stated: "How awful and so sad feel for his family and friends. Thinking of his family at this heartbreaking time."

Similar comments included: "Thoughts are with the young boys family and friends at this time. So sad to read this. Fly high little angel" and, "So heartbreaking, may god give his parents strength, god bless him forever."