5-year-old Afghan refugee who fell from hotel window in Sheffield named
The boy died in what was reported to be a fall from the ninth floor of Sheffield's Metropolitan Hotel on Wednesday
Last updated 19th Aug 2021
A five-year-old boy who fell to his death from a Sheffield hotel window was an Afghan refugee, South Yorkshire Police have said.
The youngster has been formally identified by his family as Mohammed Munib Majeedi, and they are being supported by specialist officers.
The boy died in what was reported to be a fall from the ninth floor of Sheffield's Metropolitan Hotel in Blonk Street at around 2.30pm on Wednesday.
The force is appealing for anyone with information relating to the incident to come forward.
Tributes are pouring in for Mohammed with flowers and a teddy bear left outside the hotel.
Sheffield City Council have said they're working with the police to provide support during their investigation, and they are liaising with the Home Office and will assist the family any way they can.
Cllr Terry Fox, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "I am absolutely heartbroken that a young boy has lost his life in this way. My deepest thoughts are with the family of little Mohammed, I can’t begin to imagine what they are going through.
"As a council we have been at the hotel to offer assistance and, in partnership with the police, will support the family in any way we possibly can. While details are still emerging and the police continue to investigate, it’s not appropriate for me to comment further, except to say that this is an incredibly sad time.”
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: "This a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with the family who have gone through so much trauma and suffering to reach the UK.
"It is vital the Home Office carry out an urgent investigation into what has happened so steps can be taken to quickly learn lessons.
"We don't know the details of the incident but it is imperative that families who come from Afghanistan are given all the support they need and housed in appropriate accommodation. They are vulnerable and often very traumatised."
A government spokesperson has said: “We are extremely saddened by the tragic death of a child at a hotel in Sheffield. The police are providing support to the family while the investigation continues and we are providing accommodation and support.”