Two arrested on suspicion of murder after 12-year-old boy hit by vehicle in Essex
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 12-year-old boy died after being hit by a vehicle in Essex, police said.
Police officers were called to the scene in Pilgrims Hatch at around 17.40 on Sunday.
There were reports of a vehicle colliding with a child on Ashwells Road.
The boy was taken to hospital with “very serious injuries” and died later that evening, Essex Police said in a statement on Monday.
Police arrested a 15-year-old boy and a 43-year-old man, both from the Pilgrims Hatch area, following a murder investigation.
Both the couple are being held in police custody.
Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, Brentwood area commander, said: “I am acutely aware that this incident will have a significant impact on our community and I know that the investigation team has done everything possible to fully understand the circumstances and proceed with this appropriately.
“The loss of a child is every parent’s nightmare and I ask that this family’s privacy be fully respected at this time, both in person and online.
“Our key local partners have also been notified of this incident.”
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, from the Essex and Kent serious crime force, added: “Our first thoughts are, of course, with the family of the child who tragically died following this incident.
“By its nature, this is an evolving investigation that has a number of complexities, will take some time to work through and cannot be rushed.
“We are working hard to build a full picture of the surrounding circumstances and I would like to thank those who have already come forward to provide their accounts of what happened.”
Essex Police have urged residents to review any CCTV they have between 8am and 7pm on Sunday, June 7, and to contact police via the public portal set up for this incident.
“Although we are in the early stages of this investigation, we are confident this is an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to the community,” DCI Metcalfe added.
Essex Police also said Ashwells Road will remain closed for the foreseeable future and motorists are asked to avoid the area.
