Tributes to girl, 8, who died after falling from tower block balcony in Portsmouth
TRIBUTES for an eight-year-old girl who died after she fell from a tower block have been pouring in.
Minnie died after she tumbled from Pickwick House, an 11-storey block in Portsmouth, Hampshire, on August 24.
While emergency services rushed to the scene, they were unable to save the youngster’s life.
Police confirmed a 43-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of neglect who has since been released on bail until November 24.
A fundraising page has now been set up so there is a “special place for Minnie’s siblings and family to go to remember her”.
Portsmouth resident Lisa Knight has organised the campaign on behalf of Minnie’s family and has so far raised around £1,400.
Mrs Knight said: “All money raised will go towards a wake for Minnie and a memorial bench in a special place for Minnie’s siblings and family to go to, to remember her.
“I am doing this on behalf of her mum (and with her permission) as you can imagine she is in no fit state to organise this herself.”
Floral tributes were left outside the tower block at the time of Minnie’s death – the young girl has not been fully named.
One message said: “‘RIP little angel. We are saddened to hear of the passing of your child.
“She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.”
Hampshire Police are still investigating the tragedy and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesperson for the force said in a statement: “We are appealing for witnesses following the death of an eight-year-old girl in Portsmouth.
“We were called at 6.50pm on Thursday (August 24) to reports of a child having fallen from a balcony on Wingfield Street, Portsmouth.
“We attended along with our colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service who treated the eight-year-old girl, who subsequently died. Her family have been informed.
“A 43-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of neglect of a child and has been released on initial police bail until November 24.
“Following this incident we would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened on the balcony before the girl fell.”
Anyone with information can call 101, or visit the force’s website.
Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Anyone wanting to contribute to the fundraiser can do so here.