Woman who fell eight storeys fights for life

A woman was fighting for her life today after falling eight storeys from a high-rise block of flats in West Bromwich.

It happened at Briarley House in Beacon View Road at around 5pm last night.

The woman, believed to be in her 20s, was taken to Sandwell Hospital where she remained in a serious condition today. Police cordoned off an area at the entrance to the flats for more than an hour, while officers investigated the scene.

Nearby residents were shocked to hear of the woman and see five marked police cars surrounded the cordon as they arrived back from work. Darren Garrity, of Stanhurst Way, said: "I was just on my way back from work when I found out. I can't believe it."

Contracts manager Mr Garrity, aged 45, added: "It's very sad to hear. No-one wants to hear of a girl falling from a building. It's terribly sad."

Alex Manicou, owner of Beacon View Chippy, added: "The first time I noticed the police was about 5.30pm. It is shocking news as I know the girl by her face but do not know her name."