Boy freezes to death after mum, uncle were taken to custody

Hakeem Hussain. Photo: Metro

A young boy is believed to have frozen to death outside his home in Birmingham after being left on the doorstep. Hakeem Hussain was found in near-freezing conditions shortly after 7.30am on Sunday.

It is believed the Nechells Primary Academy pupil had been there for some time before his body was found having suffered cardiac arrest. His mother, 35, and great and great uncle, 56, were taken into custody – her for wilfully neglecting a child, him for wilfully ill-treating a child. Two ambulances went to the scene in Cook Street, Nechells, but nothing could be done for Hakeem.

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His headteacher Julie Wright wrote to parents saying: “This loss to our academy community is sure to raise many emotions and concerns for our staff and pupils. 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, Metro reported.

“We are working with Birmingham City Council to ensure that staff and pupils have access to grief and bereavement counsellors.

“We are saddened by the loss to our academy community and will make every effort to support you and your child as you need.” A post-mortem examination is due to take place today to determine the cause of death.

Pupils at his school have been offered counselling and the headteacher has written to parents about the tragedy. Police have said enquiries into the youngster’s death are continuing.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: ‘A man and 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, November 26, just after 7.30am.

“The 56-year-old man and woman, aged 35, have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.” West Midlands Ambulance Service said 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 at the scene.”