Woman held on suspicion of murder after boy's death

Emergency services were called to Windstar Drive on Sunday

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a boy.

Essex Police and other emergency services were called to deal with a "challenging incident" on Sunday amid serious concerns about the welfare of a woman and a child in Windstar Drive, South Ockendon, Thurrock.

The road was closed when police arrived at about 15:00 GMT.

"Tragically, we can now confirm that, despite the efforts of medics, the child – a young boy – had died," police said.

No-one else is being sought as part of the investigation.

The woman was taken to hospital and her condition has improved, said police.

Det Ch Insp Alan Blakesley said: "This is a tragic incident in which a child has lost his life, and I would please ask for the South Ockendon community – and further afield – to refrain from speculating.

"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."

Police will remain in the area on Monday, and they have appealed for anyone with concerns or any information that might be useful to the investigation to get in touch.

One resident, Freddie, who did not wish to give his surname, described the community as "tight-knit" and said the incident had left him "very shocked".

"It's upsetting. It's somebody's child," he said.

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

She said her thoughts were with the family and friends of those involved and the local community in the "wake of the terrible news".

Craft, a Labour MP, added: "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."

A police presence will remain in the area while police investigate the incident