Leeds mother had complained about faulty window before her toddler son fell out of it and died

The boy, named officially for the first time as Exodus Eyob, died just a month before his second birthday, Wakefield Coroners' Court heard.

The court heard the tragic tot, who was born on August 13, 2020, climbed on furniture and fell from the window of the flat in Burmantofts, Leeds, on Saturday July 2.

Neighbours in the block of flats previously told how she had complained to the council twice about a faulty window in the flat.

One neighbour said the windows only need the slightest bit of pressure to release the latch on them.

Little Exodus was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary but was pronounced dead at around 2.05pm that day, today's hearing heard.

His heartbroken mother, Birikti Berihew, had the 'difficult duty' of identifying him in hospital, the brief hearing was told.

The inquest opening heard the boy's provisional cause of death was given as polytrauma, which occurs when a person experiences injuries to multiple body parts.

The court was told an investigation was underway as to the window was 'open to such an extent that a baby could fall through it'.

Describing the case as 'utterly heart-rendering', senior coroner Kevin McLoughlin said: "I have received a provisional statement from a West Yorkshire Police sergeant which has given me some background into the circumstances, but it also raises issues concerning the state of the window, which clearly needs to be investigated further."

Mr McLoughin adjourned the inquest until a date yet to be set. No family members were present at the brief hearing.

Friends of Birikti previously told how she had complained to the council twice about a faulty window in the flat.

Leeds City Council said at the time they were working closely with West Yorkshire Police to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The council has been approached for further comment today.