A 43-year-old woman has been charged with murder following the death of her 18-day-old daughter, who fell from a residential building in Westminster on Saturday morning.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed Sunday that Zahira Byjaouane was taken into custody and formally charged just 24 hours after the fatal incident. Byjaouane is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 16.
The Incident at Horseferry Road
Emergency services were called to a residential property on Horseferry Road at approximately 7:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, March 14. Reports indicated an infant had fallen from a significant height.
First responders from the London Ambulance Service treated the newborn at the scene before transporting her to a major trauma center. Despite medical efforts, the 18-day-old girl succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
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Investigative Findings
Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are leading the ongoing investigation. Forensic teams were observed throughout the weekend processing a third-floor apartment in the Westminster block.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is heading the inquiry, characterized the tragedy as a domestic incident.
“At this stage, we believe the incident occurred within a domestic context,” Foxwell stated. “The death of an infant is always an extremely tragic occurrence, and officers are making urgent enquiries around the circumstances.”
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Legal Proceedings
Byjaouane was arrested at the scene on Saturday on suspicion of murder. Following a period of interrogation and evidence review, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the murder charge on Sunday.
While the police have not released the infant’s name, they confirmed that the family has been notified and is being supported by specialized officers. Authorities continue to appeal to the public for any information regarding the events leading up to the fall.
