A 12-year-old boy has died after being struck by a vehicle in an Essex village, with two people – a 15-year-old boy and a 43-year-old man – arrested on suspicion of murder and remaining in custody.
Police were called to Ashwells Road in Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, at 5.40pm on Sunday following reports of a collision. Officers found the boy, whose name has not been released, with “very serious injuries”. He was rushed to hospital for immediate treatment but later died.
“Two arrested on suspicion of murder after a 12-year-old boy died following a vehicle collision in Essex.”
His family is being supported by Essex Police, the force said.
DCI Louise Metcalfe, leading the investigation, said: “Our first thoughts are of course with the family of the boy who has tragically died after this incident. By its very nature, this is an evolving investigation which has a number of complexities and will take some time to work through and cannot be rushed.”
She urged residents to review any CCTV footage from 8am on Sunday to 7pm and contact police through a dedicated public portal.
“Although we remain in the early stages of this investigation, we are confident this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to the community,” Metcalfe added.
Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, Brentwood district commander, acknowledged the impact on the community: “I’m acutely aware that this incident is likely to have a significant impact in our community, and I know the investigation team is doing everything possible to fully understand the circumstances and progress this appropriately. The loss of a child is every parent’s nightmare, and I would ask that this family’s privacy is fully respected at this time, both in person and online.”
Both suspects, from the Pilgrims Hatch area, remain in police custody as inquiries continue. Detectives are working to build a full picture of the circumstances leading to the boy’s death.