Woman, 18, dies in London police visit plunge

[Marly Mar]

http://www.bbc.co.uk...ngland-17667801

An 18-year-old woman has died in a plunge from the 17th floor of a tower block as police went to a flat in south-east London.

She fell from her bedroom window before officers arrested a man at the flat in Mulgrave Road, Woolwich.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Police said officers had gone on a planned arrest inquiry regarding a recall to prison at about 09:30 BST.

The incident has been referred to police watchdog the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Police have not confirmed whether they went to the flat to serve a warrant to the man or the woman.

'Friendly people'

The Metropolitan Police Service's Directorate of Professional Standards is also investigating.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Shortly after the officers entered the flat, a woman, who is believed to be 18, fell from a bedroom window on the 17th floor.

"She was pronounced dead at the scene. We await formal identification. A post mortem will be scheduled in due course."

The matter has been referred to police watchdog

Nick Raynsford, Labour MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, said: "It's a shock.

"I am waiting to hear further details. There will be a full meeting of all the agencies this afternoon, including police and the council."

He said police officers based in Bromley and not Greenwich had attended the property when the woman fell to her death.

Council caretaker Prince Langlais, 42, said he knew the victim and the man who was arrested.

"I knew them to say hello to because I live just around the corner.

"They were very friendly people."