A man and a teenager have been charged with the murder of a 12-year-old boy who tragically died after being struck by a vehicle in Essex.
Essex Police reported that Bobby Bloomfield sustained severe injuries after he was hit by a vehicle in Pilgrims Hatch on Sunday, passing away shortly afterwards in hospital.
The force announced that William Lunnon, 43, of Ashwells Road, Pilgrims Hatch, and a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, have both been charged with murder. They have been remanded in custody and are set to make their first appearance before a magistrates' court on Thursday, with the location yet to be confirmed.
Officers were called at 5.40pm on Sunday following reports of a vehicle colliding with a child on Ashwells Road.
Police stated that two men, who have since been charged, were arrested that evening. Four additional individuals were arrested on Tuesday afternoon. Two men, aged 65 and 54, and two women, aged 65 and 45, all from Pilgrims Hatch, remain in custody on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
Bobby's family released a statement through the police, saying: "Losing a child is every parent's nightmare. 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."
Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood said: "This remains a complex investigation, and we have made significant progress, including bringing charges and making further arrests. Our focus remains on establishing the full circumstances and supporting Bobby's family, who have suffered an unimaginable loss. I continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help us build a clear and accurate picture of events."
The police are urging anyone with information to contact them via their dedicated public portal.
