Nobody from the family of a seven-year-old boy who ‘froze to death’ outside his home turned up to the inquest into his death.
Hakeem Hussain was pronounced dead after being found outside his house in the Nechells area of the city early on Sunday morning.
The inquest was opened at Birmingham Coroner’s Court yesterday and nobody from the boy’s family turned up, writes the Birmingham Mail.
Two ambulances as well as a paramedic officer arrived to find Hakeem just after 7:30am on Sunday, however nothing could be done to save his life.
Birmingham Mail said they understand Hakeem may have been in near-freezing temperatures for some time before an ambulance was called.
His 35-year-old mother was arrested on suspicion of wilfully neglecting a child and his 56-year-old great uncle was arrested on suspicion of wilfully ill-treating a child – they’ve both been bailed while police continue their investigations.
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.
Area Coroner, Emma Brown, said because there’s a criminal investigation ongoing, she couldn’t set a date for the full inquest and adjourned it until 26 January for an inquest review.
A post mortem into Hakeem’s death came back inconclusive and further tests are being carried out to find out his exact cause of death.
On Sunday, West Midlands Ambulance Service said:
Paramedics were 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.
Hakeem’s headteacher Julie Wright, at the Nechells Primary Academy, wrote a letter to parents with the following message:
His 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.
We are working with Birmingham City Council to ensure 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.
Rest in peace.
