Two charged after body of a child found

Two people have been charged with preventing the lawful burial of a body.

Essex Police said it was sent to Kenway, Southend, on Thursday, 7 August, after social services raised welfare concerns about a child. Officers found a child's body at the address.

Sophie Dean, 31, of Coates House, Kenway, and James Thorpe, 32, of Frobisher Way, Shoeburyness, were arrested and charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body between 3 July 2025 and 6 August 2026.

They appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court earlier and were remanded in custody to appear at Basildon Crown Court on 7 September.

Thorpe was also charged with obstruction of a constable in the execution of their duty.

Essex Police said the investigation into the child's death would continue to be led by detectives from its crime and public protection command.

The force urged anyone who could help with its inquiries to get in touch.

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