A man and woman have been charged in connection with the discovery of a child's body at a home in Kenway, Southend. James Thorpe, 32, and Sophie Dean, 31, appeared at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates' Court on August 10, accused of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body.
Officers visited the property on August 7 after social services raised welfare concerns. Thorpe has also been charged with obstruction of a constable in the execution of their duty. Both individuals were remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear next at Basildon Crown Court on September 7.
Detectives from Essex Police's Crime and Public Protection Command are continuing to investigate the child's death. Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward, quoting investigation number 42/125225/26.
This incident follows a separate case in June where a three-year-old girl was found dead at a home in Chertsey, Surrey. In that instance, a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after officers responded to a 'concern for safety' call. Surrey Police launched a murder investigation and subsequently made an arrest, stating they were not looking to identify anyone else in connection with their inquiry.