Murder inquiry after boy, 12, dies in collision

The death of a 12-year-old boy thought to have been hit by a vehicle has triggered a murder investigation.

Bobby Bloomfield sustained serious injuries in the incident in Ashwells Road, Brentwood, shortly before 17.40 BST on Sunday. He died a short time later in hospital.

A 15-year-old boy and a 43-year-old man, from the Pilgrims Hatch area, were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.

"Losing a child is every parent's nightmare," said the family, in a statement released by Essex Police.

"We are living that nightmare, and no words can ever explain how we are feeling.

"Bobby brought light and life into all our lives, and we have lost that forever. The hole he has left can never be filled.

"We would ask for our privacy to be respected as we pull together as a family at this horrific time."

Det Ch Insp Louise Metcalfe urged people to review any CCTV they had of the area from between 08:00 and 19:00.

"We're working hard to build a full picture of the circumstances around it," she said.

Ch Insp 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."

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.