The family of an eight-year-old girl who died after falling from a balcony in Portsmouth has paid tribute to a “beautiful soul”.

Police were called to a block of flats in Wingfield Street in the city at 6.50pm on 24 August following reports Minnie Rae Dunn had fallen.

A 43-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of neglect of a child and had been released on bail until 24 November.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “We attended along with our colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service who treated the eight-year-old, who subsequently died.

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish what happened.”

In a statement released through police, Minnie’s mother Rebecca said: “My angel, I am going to miss your sassiness and the way you spoke your mind. Your big bright smile that always melted my heart will be missed so much.

“I have a hole shape in my heart that will always be there. My little angel fly high, I love you to the moon and back.”

Minnie’s grandmother Dot and grandfather Ian said the girl had “a big heart”.

“Everybody loved her,” they said. “She had lots of friends and had recently come back from a two-week holiday which she loved and where she made lots of friends.

“Minnie liked singing and dancing and going on her trampoline and playing with her grandad who would run after her and make her laugh. Minnie was a savvy, sensible child.

“We are going to miss you so much. Fly high our beautiful princess.”

Meanwhile, her aunt Bianca said: “Minnie was a beautiful soul with a big heart who had so much love for everyone.

“Whenever you were greeted by Minnie it would be with the biggest, warmest smile which would light your day.

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“Minnie adored her family and friends and was loved by everyone. She would make you smile at the smallest of things and had a heart that never stopped loving.”

Her siblings, Porscha, TJ, and Alisha, described Minnie as an “angel”, saying: “Although our time was short together we will always cherish the times we did have, and we will always love you.”

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