Child, 3, dies in window cord tragedy

Ambulance and police were called to the home of Emily James and Jonathan Middleton in Leeds, after their daughter Evie was found collapsed.

Paramedics battled to revive the toddler and she was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

The couple, who are believed to have another daughter Leila, five, live in a modern end town house in a quiet cul-de-sac in Willow Grove, Kippax.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said she had dashed across to be with Ms James when she saw the ambulance and police crews arrive and Evie’s body carried out of the house.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police confirmed officers were called at 5.25pm on Friday. The girl was rushed to Pinderfields Hospital, in Wakefield, but died a short time later. A file has been prepared for the local coroner.

A neighbour of the family said: “When the ambulance came on Friday afternoon I just assumed it was for one of the older people who lives nearby.

“I came out and saw Emily and asked her what was going on but she could not speak. Another mother was in the street with her little one and they were both crying their eyes out.

“Nobody knows how this could have happened, whether she slipped or not, it’s such a tragic accident. The whole street is absolutely horrified.”