Family who died in high-rise flat block fall named

James W KellyLondon
News imageBBC A tall, slender residential high-rise with distinctive V-shaped spires at the top, rising high above a line of green trees under an overcast sky.BBC
A couple and their young son fell from a tower block in Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle

A family of three who died after falling from a high-rise block of flats in south London have been named.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said that while they have not been formally identified, they have been named as Aditi Vijay Paralkar, 46, Rakesh Narayan Pai, 47, and their son Sid Pai Paralkar, nine.

Emergency services were called to Churchyard Row in Elephant and Castle at about 07:30 BST on 27 May following reports that people had fallen from height.

The Met said officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service, London's Air Ambulance and the London Fire Brigade.

News imageAn annotated image from Google Earth of the tower block on Churchyard Row, showing the 45-floor building high above the surrounding low residential buildings. The Elephant and Castle junction is labelled to the north east of the tower block and a label shows Kennington is to the south west of the tower block. A small inset map of London shows the location of the area in the centre of the city, just south of the River Thames. 

Acting Det Supt Dan Whitten said: "Our thoughts remain with Aditi, Rakesh and Sid's family and loved ones while we work at pace to establish the facts surrounding these tragic deaths.

"We are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances and would encourage members of the public and the press to refrain from speculation."

He appealed for anyone with information to contact the police.

Southwark MP Neil Coyle said: "My thoughts are with the family at this horrendous time; losing three loved ones in one terrible tragedy.

"No-one should struggle alone and anyone finding coping in difficult circumstances please reach out. Help is available."

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