Boy, 12, critical after school fall

A 12-YEAR-OLD boy is in a critical condition in hospital after falling 30ft from a banister at school.

Azad Miah gashed his head when he lost his grip sliding down a banister at Grange School, Westwood, on Friday afternoon.

Teachers immediately called an ambulance and Azad was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital.

He has since been transferred to Pendlebury Children’s Hospital where he has had emergency surgery to release pressure on his brain.

Azad’s condition is described as critical. His distraught parents, of Westwood Drive, were too upset to speak.

His sister Farida Begum (25), who has been keeping a bedside vigil since the accident, described him as a happy, talkative, cheeky and hyper boy.

She said: “We are not sure exactly what happened but there has been speculation that he was sliding down the banister and fell down quite a distance.

“I have spoke to the head teacher who said she will look at CCTV footage to find out what happened.”

Police have interviewed pupils who witnessed the fall, and an investigation has begun. Westwood Councillor Mohib Uddin added: “This is an unfortunate situation.

”The boy had got out of detention when he slid down the banister and fell.

“Over the weekend his condition deteriorated because of pressure building on his brain.

“We are now taking it a day at a time.

“The family, who are deeply in shock, need space to come to terms with what has happened.

“They want to thank the community for their support and prayers at this sad time.”

Councillor Kay Knox, Cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “I will certainly look into the incident and see what can be done to alleviate any issues and at the same time protect our children.

“We wish Azad a full and speedy recovery and I will be keeping up to date with his condition through his head teacher. We will also ensure that all health and safety issues are assessed.”