Young boy dies as woman found alongside him at Essex property is arrested on suspicion of murder

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a young boy.

The child and woman were both found at a property by police on Sunday afternoon after serious concerns were raised about their welfare.

Essex Police said "despite the efforts of medics" the boy died while the woman was taken to hospital for treatment and has since improved.

A spokesperson confirmed the woman had since been arrested on suspicion of murder "as a result of the information presented to us".

Following speculation, police sought to reassure the public that there was no wider threat and added: "At this stage, we are not looking to identify anyone else as part of this investigation."

Emergency services were called just after 3pm on Sunday to the property at Windstar Drive in South Ockendon, near Basildon.

Det Ch Insp Alan Blakesley, of Essex Police, said people living nearby were likely to see officers around and urged anyone with information to approach them.

He added: "First and foremost, this a tragic incident in which a child has lost his life, and I would please ask for the South Ockendon community – and further afield – to please refrain from speculating.

"Specialist officers and staff are continuing to build a picture of the events which led up to the call to emergency services [on Sunday]."

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