A man and a woman have been taken into custody on suspicion of manslaughter following the tragic death of a one-year-old girl in a flat where hazardous chemicals were reported. The incident took place in Barking Road, Upton Park, Newham, east London, prompting a response from fire crews on Tuesday afternoon. The girl, along with a six-year-old child and two adults, sought medical attention due to a chemical odor in the flat. Unfortunately, the infant girl passed away in the hospital, believed to have had contact with the chemicals.
Law enforcement officials revealed that a 41-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman, who were not acquainted with the victim, were arrested in connection with the incident. Approximately 12 individuals were evacuated from nearby buildings as a precautionary measure, as confirmed by the London Fire Brigade. The Metropolitan Police is providing support to the girl’s family while investigations are ongoing, clarifying that the incident had no links to terrorism.
In a statement, the police stated, “The arrest is related to the tragic death of a one-year-old girl who is presumed to have been exposed to chemicals in a Newham residence. The individuals in custody are not known to the victim.” The London Fire Brigade, in response to the incident, conducted a thorough search of the property to identify any hazardous substances present. Firefighters from various stations responded to the scene, with the incident concluding by 1623 after the property was ventilated and secured.