A man and a woman have been charged after the body of a child was discovered at a home in Kenway, Southend. James Thorpe, 32, and Sophie Dean, 31, appeared at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates' Court on charges of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body.
Police officers visited the property on August 7 after social services raised welfare concerns. During their visit, they found the child's body. Thorpe has also been charged with obstruction of a constable in the execution of their duty.
The pair, from Shoeburyness and Kenway respectively, were remanded in custody. Their next hearing is scheduled for September 7 at Basildon Crown Court.
Detectives from Essex Police's Crime and Public Protection Command are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding 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 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a three-year-old girl was found in Chertsey, Surrey. Surrey Police launched a murder investigation after officers responded to a 'concern for safety' call and discovered the body.