A woman in her 20s has died in an Elephant and Castle tower block fall at the UNCLE tower in south London, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called to the UNCLE tower block on Churchyard Row, SE11, at 9.32am on Wednesday, October 1, following reports of a person falling from height. The incident sparked a major emergency response that saw the area around the tower cordoned off for much of the day.
The woman was found unconscious at the scene and was pronounced dead a short time later. The Metropolitan Police said the incident is “not currently being treated as suspicious” and a scene remains in place while officers carry out their enquiries.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 9:32am today (1 October) to reports of a person falling from height on Churchyard Row, SE11. We sent ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars and an incident response officer. Sadly, a woman died at the scene.”
A police cordon was put in place outside the tower, closing off part of the pavement by the main entrance as officers stood guard, and a forensics tent could be seen within the cordoned-off area. Police tape blocking an exit at St Mary’s Churchyard, which leads toward the block, was later removed to allow easier access for the public.
Key facts: Churchyard Row death
- What happened: A woman believed to be in her 20s fell from height at the UNCLE tower on Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle
- When: 9.32am on Wednesday, October 1
- Emergency response: Metropolitan Police officers, London Ambulance Service crews, paramedics in fast-response cars and an incident response officer
- Police position: The death is not currently being treated as suspicious; a scene remains in place while enquiries continue
Officers said efforts were being made to inform the woman’s next of kin, and asked for privacy for the family as enquiries continue.
You can follow our earlier live updates for minute-by-minute coverage of the major emergency response as it unfolded.
Second fatal fall at the tower
The tragedy comes just months after the same tower was the scene of another fatal fall. In May, a family of three died after falling from the building, in an incident that shocked the local community and raised serious questions about safety at the development.
The earlier tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief in the neighbourhood, with floral tributes left near the tower in the days that followed. Wednesday’s death is the second fatal fall at the UNCLE tower in less than five months.
How police handle deaths not treated as suspicious
When officers decide at an early stage that a sudden death is not suspicious, the scene is typically held until initial enquiries are complete. Officers will take witness statements, review CCTV footage from the area and compile a report for the coroner, who is responsible for formally establishing the cause of death.
The “not suspicious” designation means detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death. It does not mean the investigation is over: enquiries continue until officers are satisfied and the woman’s family has been informed. Officers are also expected to liaise with the building’s management as part of their enquiries.
Recent investigations in the area
Elephant and Castle has been the focus of several major police investigations in recent months. Earlier this year, a woman admitted the manslaughter of Henrik Slotsaa at a flat in the area, with the Old Bailey hearing how the killing unfolded.
Two teenagers were also sentenced for manslaughter over the fatal attack on Yeray Sanchez Morales on Old Kent Road, a short distance from the tower.
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