Probe launched after 19-month-old child dies in Dunfermline.

Distraught neighbour tells of desperate bid to save life of child at Dunfermline flat

Police are continuing to investigate the “unexplained” death of a one-year-old boy in Dunfermline.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the tragedy, a home in a group of multi-storey flats near the town centre, on Wednesday.

It is believed the infant was pronounced dead at the scene.

The toddler has been named locally as 19-month-old Joshua Akinola, who is believed to have lived with mother Cheryl Gaffney, 34, in the Bruce Heights block, one of three in the high-rise complex.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Fife are investigating the death of a one-year-old boy.

“Police and emergency services attended an address in the Broomhead Drive area of Dunfermline on May 2, where sadly the child was pronounced dead.

“The death is currently being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.”

A distraught neighbour described how he had tried in vain to revive the youngster with CPR.

Student Gordon Shaw, 30, said he heard screams for help and sprinted from his fifth-floor flat to the stricken mum’s home one floor below.

The boy, with a top and his nappy on, was on the couch in the sitting room, and while his lips had turned blue, he was still warm.

“For a moment I thought I could save him,” said Mr Shaw.

“I tried so hard. I reckon I was maybe just 15 minutes too late. I’m heartbroken that we’ve lost him.”

He said he did not know CPR so the operator gave him instructions on the phone.

He thought the infant was breathing as he performed chest compressions.

“He expelled air. I heard a rattle,” he said.

Paramedics took over when they arrived, but the little boy was gone.

Gordon added: “His mum let out such a scream when it was confirmed he had died. I’ll never forget it.”

Local councillors from the Dunfermline North ward extended their sympathy to the family.

City of Dunfermline area chairwoman Labour councillor Helen Law said: “My thoughts are with the family.”

The SNP councillor for the area, Ian Ferguson, said: “Everyone is very upset. My thoughts and condolences go to the family.”

“I tried so hard. I reckon I was maybe just 15 minutes too late. I’m heartbroken that we’ve lost him. GORDON SHAW