Two people have been arrested as part of our response to serious incident in Pilgrims Hatch.

We were called to the Ashwells Road area at 5.40pm on Sunday 7 June.

It was reported that a vehicle had collided with a child and he had been injured.

Officers arrived and found the boy, aged 12, had sustained very serious injuries.

He was taken to hospital for immediate medical treatment. Very sadly, despite the best efforts of all involved, he has since died.

His family and loved ones are being supported.

We have now launched a murder investigation and two people from the Pilgrims Hatch area, a boy aged 15 and a man aged 43, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Both remain in custody as our investigation progresses.

Ashwells Road is likely to remain closed in the immediate term and we would ask motorists to please find other routes.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, of Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate, 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.

“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.

“To residents who we have not yet spoken to, I would urge you to please review any CCTV you have from 8am on Sunday 7 June right through to 7pm and please get in touch.”

Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, Brentwood district commander, added: “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.”

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

Please quote incident 964 of 7 June.