Body of seven-year-old boy found dead in near-freezing temperatures outside home
Two people arrested but released on bail as police continue investigation into death of Hakeen Hussain
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A seven-year-old boy was found dead in near-freezing temperatures outside his home.
Paramedics could do nothing to save Hakeen Hussain and pronounced him dead at the scene after finding his body just after 7.30am on Sunday, according to the Birmingham Mail.
A 35-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of wilfully neglecting a child and a 56-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of wilfully ill-treating a child.
They have both been released on bail while police continue their investigation.
The newspaper said it was believed Hakeen's body may have been outside for some time before he was found. The temperature in Birmingham at the time he was discovered was between 2C and 3C.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm that it was called to reports of a cardiac arrest at a property on Cook Street in Nechells shortly after 7.30am on Sunday morning.
“Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene and arrived to find a boy in cardiac arrest.
“Sadly, nothing could be done to save the child and he was confirmed dead on scene.”
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of wilfully ill-treating a child after a seven-year-old boy was found deceased at a property in Cook Street, Nechells on Sunday 26 November just after 7.30am.
“The 56-year-old man and woman, aged 35, have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
“A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Friday to establish the cause of the boy’s death."
Julie Wright, Headteacher of Nechells primary E-act Academy, which Hakeen attended, reportedly wrote to parents following his death.
“This loss to our academy community is sure to raise many emotions and concerns for our staff and pupils,” she said.
“We currently cannot provide any further information, however we would like to reassure you that there will be dedicated support in place at this difficult time.
“We are working with Birmingham City Council to ensure that staff and pupils have access to grief and bereavement counsellors.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments