Toddler Callam Alexander is lucky to be alive after he plunged to the ground from his bedroom window.

The mischievous three-year-old could have been killed when he fell more than 20ft - but escaped with just a broken left leg and cuts and bruises.

Today his parents spoke of their relief after the young daredevil decided playing with his toys wasn't enough fun.

Dad Andy Alexander, from Southwark Walk, Craylands, Basildon, said his son had been left in his upstairs bedroom to play.

He explained: "He makes a bit of mess sometimes, like emptying shampoo bottles everywhere, so we locked the other doors and went downstairs.

"A bit later we heard a crash and thought he was up to his old tricks again. But half an hour later I heard Callam in the garden, he was crying for help."

Mr Alexander raced outside and saw his son sobbing on the ground. He added: "I mopped the blood off his face and my partner called for an ambulance."

The youngster was taken to Basildon Hospital for treatment to his injuries and was later allowed back home to recover. According to the family a handle on the window was broken.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said Callam was lucky to survive the fall - had he landed differently, then he could have been killed.

A spokesman added: "We have great sympathy with the boy's parents, because children of that age - particularly boisterous boys - cannot be watched every minute of the day."

Published Monday, April 8, 2002