Akram Mohammed died in February

PROTESTERS waved placards outside a housing association offices claiming not enough is being done to fix overcrowded, damp homes.

The demonstration on the doorsteps of Notting Hill Genesis followed news that a coroner’s inquest will examine the death of a 15-week-old baby, who lived in one of its flats in Lithos Road, Hampstead.

Akram Mohammed died in February and his parents, who will be represented by lawyers at St Pancras Coroner’s Court later this year, believe their living conditions were a contributing factor.

Patrick Franco, the housing provider’s chief executive, said: “We will continue to support the family in any way we can during this difficult time.

“No determination has been made by HM Coroner as to the cause of Akram’s death, and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment further or to speculate at this time.”

The housing association contests claims about how many requests were made and what the response was.

A protest was held on Friday afternoon during which Akram’s father, mechanic Abdushafi Mohammed, criticised Notting Hill Genesis for not doing enough to fix the problems at Jacaranda House or moving the family to an alternative home.

He told the New Journal that Akram was “a smiling and lovely person”, adding: “When I came home from work he was always smiling.”

But he said: “The house condition was very bad – it’s a mouldy house. It smelt really bad and no one wanted to stay there. I didn’t like coming home from work and being there. Neighbours and my friends didn’t go there because we didn’t have the space.”

Mould inside the Notting Hill Genesis flat

Akram slept in the bedroom with his mother Aiat. Mr Mohammed slept with the other children in the living room.

The family said their beds were moved into the middle of the room as there was mould across the walls.

He said that within a month of being born, Akram developed breathing problems. The cause of these will be examined at the inquest.

One day in February, Akram was unable to feed, he was restless and crying. His lips and fingertips turned blue and they rushed him to hospital.

Mr Mohammed said: “I’ve lost my child I don’t want anyone else to.”

Since Akram died, the family has been living in an Airbnb, offered by NHG, but are desperate to find some­where permanent so they can “put roots down” again.

Notting Hill Genesis said homes were offered in Brent and another in Barnet, but the family did not accept. It has also said it had undertaken mould wash procedures in the flat.

Demonstrators outside the housing association’s offices in King’s Cross last week

Protest organiser Suzanne Muna, secretary of the Social Housing Action Campaign (SHAC) said: “This is the condition of far too much social housing in Britain and we really need to get a spotlight shone on it.”

Mr Franco said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Akram Mohammed and extend our sincere condolences to his family, their friends and neighbours.

“We know that this is a complex situation and will continue working with the relevant authorities as they conduct their investigations.”