Jenson Spellman found dead in reservoir with mum 'was perfect'

A five-year-old boy found dead in a reservoir along with his mother has been described as a "perfect child" by his head teacher.

Emma Sillett, 41, and Jenson Spellman, from Dinting, near Glossop, Derbyshire, were reported missing on Tuesday.

Their bodies were found at Valehouse Reservoir, Tintwistle, after Miss Sillett's car was discovered nearby.

Debbie Greaves said everyone at Simmondley Primary School was "devastated" to hear the news.

She said Jenson had been at the school for just over a year "and was a bundle of energy".

"He constantly had a beaming infectious smile and was kind and caring," she added.

"He loved running around outside and playing on the bikes with his friends.

"There was nothing he didn't know about dinosaurs, as he was an expert. The perfect child to have in your class, and he will be very much missed."

Police confirmed on Monday the bodies had been formally identified as Miss Sillett and Jenson.

They said a file was now being prepared for the coroner and an inquest would open on Wednesday at Chesterfield Coroner's Court.

The force believes no-one else was involved in the deaths.

Assistant Chief Constable Kem Mehmet said: "I would like to take this opportunity to pass on my own condolences, as well as those of every officer in Derbyshire, to the family and friends of Emma and Jenson."

Miss Sillett was last seen on Tuesday at a McDonald's in Hattersley, Tameside, on Tuesday.

Following a public appeal and "extensive search" her black Peugeot 308 was found in the car park of the reservoir and the bodies were later recovered from the water.

The deaths shocked the community and a two-minute silence was held in Glossop, ahead of its Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday evening to show the family "support and love".

The Reverend Rob Heeley, from Holy Trinity Church, in Dinting, said there had been a feeling of "shock", "disbelief" and "grief" over the deaths.

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