Police release woman without charge after girl, eight, dies in balcony fall
Minnie Rae Dunn fell from the balcony of a block of flats in August 2023.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A woman arrested on suspicion of neglect of an eight-year-old girl who fell from the balcony of a block of flats will face no further action, police have said.
Minnie Rae Dunn following the fall from the property in Wingfield Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire on August 24 2023.
She died despite efforts by police and paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service to save her.
Following her death, a 43-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of neglect but a Hampshire Police spokesman has confirmed that she has now been released without charge.
He said: “We have been continuing to conduct a thorough investigation following the death of eight-year-old Minnie Rae Dunn in Portsmouth in August 2023.
“We were called at 6.50pm on Thursday August 24 to reports that Minnie had fallen from a balcony on Wingfield Street, Portsmouth.
“We attended along with our colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service who treated Minnie, who subsequently died.
“At the current time, we do not believe that there was third-party involvement in Minnie’s death and a file will now be prepared for the Coroner.
“Following our enquiries, a 43-year-old woman, who was arrested on suspicion of neglect of a child, has been released without charge and will face no further action.”
Paying tribute to Minnie, her mother Rebecca said in a statement previously released through police: “My angel, I am going to miss your sassiness and the way you spoke your mind. Your big bright smile that always melted my heart will be missed so much.
“I have a hole shape in my heart that will always be there. My little angel fly high, I love you to the moon and back. Mummy.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.