Body of seven-year-old boy found dead in near-freezing temperatures outside home

Two people arrested but released on bail as police continue investigation into death of Hakeen Hussain

Two people have been arrested after a seven-year-old was found dead outside his home (Birmingham Mail/BPM Media)

A seven-year-old boy was found dead in near-freezing temperatures outside his home.

Paramedics could do nothing to save Hakeen Hussain and pronounced him dead at the scene after finding his body just after 7.30am on Sunday, according to the Birmingham Mail.

A 35-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of wilfully neglecting a child and a 56-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of wilfully ill-treating a child.

They have both been released on bail while police continue their investigation.

The newspaper said it was believed Hakeen's body may have been outside for some time before he was found. The temperature in Birmingham at the time he was discovered was between 2C and 3C.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm that it was 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.”

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “A man and a 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 26 November just after 7.30am.

“The 56-year-old man and woman, aged 35, have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

“A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Friday to establish the cause of the boy’s death."

Julie Wright, Headteacher of Nechells primary E-act Academy, which Hakeen attended, reportedly wrote to parents following his death.

“This loss to our academy community is sure to raise many emotions and concerns for our staff and pupils,” she said.

“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.”