Two arrested on suspicion of murder after 12-year-old boy hit by vehicle in Essex

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a 12-year-old boy after he was hit by a vehicle in Essex, police have said.

Officers were called to the scene of the incident in Pilgrims Hatch at around 5.40pm on Sunday.

It followed reports that a vehicle had collided with a child on Ashwells Road.

The boy was taken to hospital with “very serious injuries” and died later that evening, Essex Police said on Monday.

Police arrested a 15-year-old boy and a 43-year-old man, both from the Pilgrims Hatch area, after a murder investigation was launched.

The pair both remain in police custody.

Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, Brentwood district commander, said: “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.

“Our key local partners have also been updated on this incident.”

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, of Essex and Kent serious crime directorate, added: “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.

“We’re working hard to build a full picture of the circumstances around it, and I’d 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 from 8am on Sunday June 7 through to 7pm, and to get in touch with the force through the dedicated public portal that has been set up for this incident.

“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,” DCI Metcalfe added.

Ashwells Road is likely to remain closed in the immediate term and motorists have been asked to avoid the area, Essex Police also said.