Stock villagers left 'stunned' by Freddie Coleman crash death

Freddie Coleman's parents said he was "loved by everyone"

A village has been left shocked and stunned by the death of a schoolboy in a crash, according to a priest.

Freddie Coleman, 15, sustained fatal injuries in the incident in Stock, Essex, on Friday morning.

The Reverend Miranda Seaman, associate priest at All Saints' Church, said everyone had "come together" in grief.

A man arrested at the scene, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released under investigation.

The 23-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs after a second teenage boy was taken to hospital as a result of the incident.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

'Total shock'

Ms Seaman, who has lived in Stock for over 40 years, said: "It's been devastating.

"The whole village has been completely stunned and remains in a state of total shock."

She said her daughter had been in the same class as Freddie and the injured boy at Stock Primary School and Mayflower High School, Billericay, and they had grown up together.

On Saturday a special service was held for pupils who left the primary school in 2019.

"That was much needed," said Ms Seaman.

Teachers, pupils and families attended and "we lit candles and had a few prayers", she added.

Messages of condolences have been left on bouquets placed by a bench in Stock

Ms Seaman said all the pupils in the class were known as "cheeky chappies, all of the boys were mischievous, in a nice way".

The village's three churches, including Our Lady and St Joseph and Christ Church, had been open to "everyone", Ms Seaman said.

"We've all come together. We're all here to help and do what we can," she said.

The affected families were "loved and respected in the village", she added.

On Sunday a service will be held at All Saints' at 17:00 GMT, giving villagers an opportunity to "light candles and say a few prayers and have a moment of reflection".

Candles have been laid out to spell the name Fred

In a statement, Freddie's parents Jason and Jo said their son was a "kind, happy, funny boy" and "a much-loved son, grandson, brother, nephew and uncle".

They also appealed for their privacy to be respected "during this dreadful time".