Child who survived flat tragedy ‘a miracle’

The partner of a woman who was found dead in her flat has said it is a “miracle” their young son survived.

Mercy Baguma, who was originally from Uganda and seeking asylum in the UK, died in Glasgow last month.

Her body was found in the hallway of her flat with her son, Adriel, alone in his cot.

Speaking to the Glasgow Times, herpartnerEricNnanna, 30, said he called emergency services after hearing his son crying through the door.

Mr Nnanna said he last saw Ms Baguma on Tuesday August 18, and became worried after not hearing from her.

After returning to the flat on the Saturday and receiving no response, police were called and forced entry.

“When they opened the door they said I shouldn’t come into the flat,” Mr Nnanna told the newspaper.

“They said they saw Mercy’s body lying in her hallway and Adriel was in his cot. He was found there by them.

“Adriel... when my mind takes me back there I cry. I don’t know how to express that.

“Because obviously, imagine that she died on the Tuesday night, so Adriel didn’t have food or water or anything from that Tuesday night until that Saturday morning when he was found, so...”

He said his son “couldn’t even recognise me” when he held him.

“It is a miracle he survived,” he added.

Mr Nnanna wants to correct some reports aboutMs Baguma, including claims she was starving at the time of death.

He said there was “a lot of fake news going around”, adding: “Asylum seekers and refugees do not get a lot of support from the government but there are charities that help.”

Ms Baguma’s death has sparked calls for reform of the asylum system in the UK.

Mercy Baguma.