Two people arrested for preventing lawful burial after body of child found in Essex

A man and a woman have been charged with preventing lawful burial after the body of a child was discovered at an address in Southend, Essex.

Officers attended an address in Kenway on August 7 after receiving reports from social services raising concerns for the welfare of a child.

The body was found, and two people were arrested, the force said.

Sophie Dean, 31, of Kenway, and James Thorpe, 32, of Shoeburyness, have been charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body between July 3 2025 and August 6 2026.

Thorpe has also been charged with obstruction of a constable in the execution of their duty, the police added.

The child’s identity has not been released, and it remains unclear when they passed away.

The pair appeared at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates’ Court on Monday and were remanded in custody to next appear at Basildon Crown Court on September 7.

The force said the investigation into the child’s death will continue to be led by detectives from its crime and public protection command.

In a press release, it added: ‘We would also encourage anyone with information that could assist us and who has not yet spoken to us to please come forward and do so.’