Five-year-old girl dies after getting her head stuck in a lift

 

A five-year-old girl has died after her head was trapped in a lift  at a house.Emergency crews were called after the girl's head became stuck at a property on Emmadale Close, Weymouth at around midday.
It is understood the lift had been installed at the property as a disability aid for the girl's disabled brother.
Firefighters managed to cut the girl free but she was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.
A family-of-five are believed to live in the two-storey property.

Alexis Brown became stuck between the doors of the disabled access lift at her home in Weymouth, Dorset, just before midday yesterday and she died at the scene.

It is thought that the lift was used by her 11-year-old brother, Jack, who suffers from Langerhans cell histiocytosis - a rare neuro-degenerative disease - and is wheelchair-bound.

Dorset Police said an investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances around her death.

The lift is believed to be a disability aid, but Dorset County Council confirmed the authority had not installed the device at the property.

A spokeswoman said: "An investigation has been launched today following the tragic death of a five-year-old girl.
"Dorset Police were called by Dorset Fire and Rescue Service at 11.58am to reports that a child’s head was trapped in a lift at an address in Emmadale Close in Weymouth.
"Police officers, paramedics and firefighters attended but sadly a five-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Her family have been informed and the coroner notified.
"Emmadale Close has been closed to allow emergency services to deal with the incident and for scenes of crime investigators to carry out an examination."

Alexis was the youngest child of Lorraine and Matthew Brown, both 30, who also have another daughter, Sienna, who turned 10 today.

The five-year-old's uncle, Sonny Wilson, took to social media to pay tribute to his niece.

He said: 'My beautiful niece Lexi sadly passed away yesterday in a tragic accident. Understandably my brother and sister in law are devastated.

'I cannot describe the pain and sadness I saw in Lexi's brother and sister's eyes.

'I would also like to wish sienna an happy birthday for today, I know the circumstances ain't very fitting but Lexi would have wanted Sienna to have an amazing birthday.

'Lexi was one of the most beautiful girls in the world who always made me smile and will be missed by everyone.'

Mrs Brown posted a picture of the youngster on social media, sparking online tributes from friends and family.

Leigh Jayne MacConnachie said: 'Taken to soon, so so sorry Lorraine and Matt xxxx.'

Cherry Mussenden wrote: 'Matt and Lorraine I am so, so sorry to hear such sad news, thinking of you all xxxxxx.'

Sian Clennell added: 'I don't know what to say ... just know that you are in our thoughts , so sorry Lorraine, Matt , all of the family. RIP beautiful girl xxx.'

Neighbours of the family today spoke of their devastation at the news and mourned the loss of the little girl who they called a 'princess'.

Dale Mumford, 39, a chef who lives next door to the family, said: 'It's such a terrible thing to happen to such a lovely family.

'They are a really nice family, really sociable and always having barbecues.

'They would always have people's kids round to play - you would always hear the kids out playing on their trampoline.'  

A note left with flowers outside the two-storey semi-detached house last night read: 'Alexis, rest in peace. I will always love you. From Megan.'

A neighbour said: 'I don't really know them because my children are grown up but they are a lovely family.

'I can tell you the street would normally be full of children playing. I have never seen it this quiet. It's really sad.'

Others took to social media to pay tribute.

Kimmarree Williams wrote: 'God Bless little one, may you be protected in heaven.'

Janice Sellman said: 'Thinking of you all so much, such a lovely and kind family... RIP little one xxx.'

Louise Kenny said: 'This is truly awful poor little girl, and her poor family, just don't have the words RIP little angel xxx.'

And Andrea Thompson wrote: 'Oh my gosh this is so heart breaking. RIP little princess. Thoughts are with family and friends xxx.' 

What a sad loss. rest in peace little one.