By Lucy Caulkett-
A man and a woman in their 20s have been arrested, and remain in police custody after a primary school child was found dead at a property in Eagle Way, Shoeburyness. Essex Police said officers were called to the property shortly before 8am yesterday following concerns about the welfare of a child. The emergency call was made by ambulance service colleagues, who alerted police to the situation.
Emergency services rushed to Eagle Way, Shoeburyness, on Monday morning (October 12). Police officers attended the scene just before 8am after being contacted by the ambulance service reporting concerns for the welfare of a child at a property. The unnamed child had suffered injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered that the child had suffered injuries. Despite the emergency response, the child was pronounced dead at the property. The Eye of Media can confirm that the child was a six year old girl by the name of Sophia, who attended Frias primary school in Shoeburyness. Residents in the neigbourhood have expressed shock at the news. One neighbour by he name of Sharon told this publication: ”it’s so sad, for such harm to happen to a young child. What’s the world come to?
Essex Police confirmed that both individuals remain in custody as officers continue their investigations. Forensic officers were still at the scene today as investigative work continued. Residents reportedly witnessed a significant emergency response yesterday, with several police vehicles, ambulances and an unmarked vehicle seen in the area.. Investigations are continuing as officers work to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
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The latest incident comes amid previous reports of serious cases involving children elsewhere in Southend and the wider Essex area. Although these incidents differ in their circumstances, they provide additional local context for reporting on cases involving the deaths or serious injuries of children. In August 2026, Essex Police reported developments in an investigation after a child’s body was found at an address in Kenway, Southend. A man and a woman were reported to have faced charges connected with preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body, while the man also faced an obstruction charge. The circumstances of that case differ from those currently being investigated in Shoeburyness, and no connection between the incidents has been established.
Another tragic incident occurred at Chalkwell Park, Southend, on 28 June 2025, when seven-year-old Leonna Ruka died after a tree partially collapsed onto children in the park. Five children were injured, including a six-year-old girl who was reported to be in a critical condition. The incident prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tree collapse.
Elsewhere in Essex, 12-year-old Bobby Bloomfield died following an incident involving a vehicle on Ashwells Lane, in Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, in June 2026. Police launched a murder investigation, with arrests and charges reported in connection with that case.
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