A 28-year-old man died after falling from the ninth floor of a Hornchurch tower block on Monday.

Residents battled to resuscitate Steven Hoskyns but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

He is believed to have fallen from a balcony at the back of Haynes Park Court, in Slewins Close, around 12.30pm.

One resident who tried to resuscitate him said: “I was on my way out and I almost missed it, but I turned around when I heard someone ask if he fell or jumped.

“I saw the man was lying on the grass face down, I heard one of the men say that they heard a thud then came downstairs.

“We rolled him over and then two of the guys tried to pump his chest, but it was clear that he was in a really bad state.”

A London Ambulance spokesman said several units including the air ambulance were sent to the scene.

He said: “Our staff treated a man who had suffered a cardiac arrest. Extensive efforts were made to resuscitate the patient but sadly he was pronounced dead on the scene by the air ambulance doctor at 1.23pm.”

The witness said he was “shaken” for the rest of the day.

He added: “That was all I could think of. I just feel for the man and the people that he has left behind.”

Flowers were left at the scene of the fall with a tribute from the Mr Hoskyns’ girlfriend.

She wrote: “Darling Steven, however good or bad, the memories I have of you will always be good. I will always love you.”

Joan Robertson, 89, lives opposite Mr Hoskyns’ flat.

She said: “I heard sirens going and when I looked out of the window there were lots of police cars and ambulances.

“I’ve been here for years and I never heard of anything like this.”

Police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.