A WOMAN either fell or jumped from a Maidstone flat killing herself and severely injuring her daughter, police have said.

It is not yet known how the woman and child - believed to be three years old - managed to plunge from their home in Hawley Court, in London Road, early last Friday morning.

The woman died at the scene. The girl was taken to Maidstone Hospital in a critical condition with multiple injuries. She was later transferred to Guy's Hospital, London, where she is said to be in a stable condition.

Kent Police said the incident has been voluntarily passed on to the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).

Chief Supt Chris Eyre revealed that officers were called to the flat shortly before the tragedy to investigate a disturbance. They left after deciding there was no risk to the woman and child.

Mr Eyre said: "There was a further call from a neighbour who said she heard noises from the bottom of the flat. Police did not send officers to this call.

"It does appear that by the time this call was received the tragedy had already taken place.

"In view of the woman's death and the serious injuries to her daughter we want to sure there is a full, open, independent review into the nature and sufficiency of police actions."

The PCA will investigate Kent Police's handling of the incident confirmed that the woman died from multiple injuries.

Police have not released the identity of the woman because they have yet to notify all next of kin.