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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Matty Edwards

Mother charged with murder of 18-day-old baby girl in central London

Floral tributes left at Peabody Estate building after baby girl's death
Flowers and a toy animal left near the Peabody Estate building in Horseferry Road in central London, after a baby girl fell from height. Photograph: Lucy North/PA

A mother has been charged with murdering her 18-day-old baby girl, who fell from a height at a property in central London.

Zahira Byjaouane, 43, was arrested on Saturday morning after reports that a baby had fallen from a property on Horseferry Road in Westminster.

The newborn was treated at the scene and taken to a major trauma centre, but was later pronounced dead.

Forensic officers were seen working in a third-floor flat on Saturday evening, while a police cordon remained in place.

DCI Alison Foxwell said on Saturday: “The death of an infant is always an extremely tragic occurrence and officers are making urgent inquiries around the circumstances.”

Flowers and a toy animal were left near the Peabody Estate building on Sunday morning after the cordon had been lifted.

Police announced on Sunday that the mother had been charged with the baby’s murder.

Byjaouane has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Monday.

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