A man, a woman and a child have died after falling from a high-rise block of flats in Elephant and Castle, south London, police have said.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 1pm on Wednesday. The three were pronounced dead at the scene. The Metropolitan Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and that next of kin are being informed.
“A man, a woman and a child have died after falling from a high-rise block of flats in Elephant and Castle, south London. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”
Neighbours have reported hearing ‘screams and shouts’ in the weeks leading up to the tragedy, according to local residents. One neighbour, who did not want to be named, told the Metro: ‘We heard arguing and shouting quite often, but never thought it would come to this.’ The Met has not confirmed a motive or the exact circumstances leading to the fall.
The block, a residential tower in the London Borough of Southwark, is part of a larger estate in the Elephant and Castle area. The borough has a significant number of high-rise residential buildings, many dating from the 1960s and 1970s. The incident has shocked the local community, with floral tributes being laid near the base of the building.
London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and police all attended the scene. A cordon remained in place throughout the evening as forensic teams examined the area. The London Ambulance Service confirmed they treated three patients but they were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
The Met Police has launched a full investigation into the deaths. A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out in due course. Police have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Councillor Jasmine Ali, deputy leader of Southwark Council, said: ‘This is an absolutely devastating incident. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who died. We are working closely with the police and supporting residents in the block.’
What This Means For You This tragedy has heightened concerns about safety and well-being in high-rise residential buildings, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Elephant and Castle. Residents living in similar tower blocks may feel anxious and are advised to contact their local council or housing association if they have any safeguarding concerns. Community support services are being made available for those affected by the incident. Police are urging anyone who witnessed the fall or heard anything unusual in the days leading up to it to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 3456/29MAY.