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Boy, 7, 'freezes to death' on doorstep as mum and uncle arrested

Tragedy: Hakeem Hussain, 7, who is thought to have frozen to death outside his Birmingham home (SWNS)
Tragedy: Hakeem Hussain, 7, who is thought to have frozen to death outside his Birmingham home (SWNS)

A seven-year-old boy is thought to have frozen to death after being left on the doorstep of his Birmingham home.

Hakeem Hussain was found outside his house in near-freezing conditions last Sunday morning.

It is believed the young boy perished after being on the doorstep for some time. He was found to have suffered a cardiac arrest.

Two people have been arrested – believed to be his mother and great uncle – on suspicion of wilfully ill-treating a child.

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.’

Hakeem Hussain (SWNS)
Hakeem Hussain (SWNS)

Emergency services were called after the youngster was found deceased at the terraced property.

A post-mortem is due to take place today (Friday) to establish the cause of the boy’s death and police said enquiries were continuing.

Floral tributes were left outside the house after the news became public.

A next-door neighbour said a middle-aged man had lived at the address for a few years, but was joined by his niece and her young son around two weeks ago.

‘When I heard what happened I was shocked,’ said the neighbour.

‘I never heard anything from inside the house, they were always very quiet. The couple of times I saw the child he looked happy, healthy and well-fed and had no sign of injury.’

Another neighbour said the 56-year-old man suffered health problems and used a disability scooter to get around.

‘He lived there alone, but now and then various relatives came to stay with him and the last time I saw him he said his niece and her son were coming to stay,’ he said.

‘I was told he’d gone into hospital so didn’t know the child had died and he’d been arrested.

‘I can’t believe it and am totally shocked.’

Emergency services were called to the terraced house in Birmingham (SWNS)
Emergency services were called to the terraced house in Birmingham (SWNS)

The youngster went to nearby Nechells Primary Academy and was a Year 3 pupil.

Head teacher Julie Wright has written to parents about the tragedy and said pupils would be provided with the necessary counselling support following the shocking loss.

‘This loss to our academy community is sure to raise many emotions and concerns for our staff and pupils,’ she wrote.

‘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.

‘Please do get in touch with us if you feel that you or your child need any further help or assistance.

‘We are saddened by the loss to our academy community and will make every effort to support you and your child as you need.’