Woman arrested for murder after young boy dies in ‘serious incident’

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a young boy died in Essex yesterday afternoon.

Essex Police were called to a housing estate in South Ockendon over concerns for a child’s welfare. A young boy later died in the ‘serious incident’.

The woman was taken to hospital and later arrested on suspicion of murder, police said.

DCI Alan Blakesley urged the public to refrain from speculating after the ‘tragic’ incident.

Jen Craft MP for Thurrock said: ‘We are all horrified by the news of the tragic events that took place at Windstar Drive in South Ockendon yesterday afternoon.

‘My thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in this horrific incident, as well as the whole of the local community in the wake of this terrible news.

‘I would please ask people in South Ockendon and the wider community in Thurrock to refrain from speculating about the details and wait for the police to release further information.

‘It’s vital that we give the police space to do their job and allow the family to come to terms with this awful situation.

‘I have been in close contact with the police and will continue to do so as they conduct their investigations.

‘I am here to support any residents that have been impacted by this tragic incident.

‘If anyone has information about this incident, please contact the police as soon as possible by calling 101 and citing incident 645 of 15 December, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report information anonymously.

‘You can also report information on the Essex Police website. Details of the online reporting services can be found here: http://www.essex.police.uk/digital101’

He added: ‘Specialist officers and staff are continuing to build a picture of the events which led up to the call to emergency services yesterday

‘This will of course take time and a thorough investigation is now under way. Officers remain in the area this morning and residents will notice a footprint throughout today, I would urge anyone with concerns or any information which they believe may be useful to our investigation to please come forward, either in person or using our other reporting mechanisms.’

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