A young boy tragically died and another child was injured in an "incredibly tragic incident" during the school run this morning.
Emergency services were called to Stock Road, in Stock, Essex, shortly after 8.20am on Friday after reports of a vehicle colliding with two children. Essex Police said that despite all efforts from medics at the scene, one of the children died. The second child was taken to the hospital for treatment.
A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs. The road between School Lane and Honeypot Lane has been closed while police carry out their investigation.
Detective Inspector Mark Fraser said: "This is quite clearly an incredibly tragic incident which will be felt by many people across the area, not least the families of the two young victims. Our role is to establish the circumstances which led up to this incident, which we will do meticulously, and I would ask people not to speculate, whether in person or online.
"I would also like to thank everyone who has already come forward to speak to us and would urge anyone who has information and not yet spoken to us to please come forward." Anyone with information has been asked to contact the police.
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If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111. You should give crime reference 218 of 3 November when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right people as quickly as possible.
If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
Please give crime reference 218 of 3 November when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right people as quickly as possible.
If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with Essex Police.
You can let them know by submitting a report online or by using their Live Chat service.
Live Chat is an online service available on their website Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm, where you can send and receive real-time direct messages with an online digital 101 operator.
To use the service, select the ‘Live Chat’ icon at the bottom right of your screen when you're on our website. It can be accessed from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
Alternatively you can call them on 101.
To find out more about the different reporting services visit their 'Help Us Help You' webpage.
Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, of our serious collision investigation unit, is leading the investigation.
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He said: “This is quite clearly an incredibly tragic incident which will be felt by many people across the area, not least the families of the two young victims.
“Our role is to establish the circumstances which led up to this incident, which we will do meticulously, and I would ask people not to speculate, whether in person or online. I would also like to thank everyone who has already come forward to speak to us and would urge anyone who has information and not yet spoken to us to please come forward.”
Damian Lee, the headteacher of Mayflower High School in Billericay, said in a letter to parents on Friday: "I am writing to regrettably inform you that two of our students were involved in a road traffic accident this morning.
"Sadly, one of the students passed away and the other student has been airlifted to hospital. The families of the students are being supported by a specialist police liaison team. We have informed staff and students through assemblies and are working with Essex County Council to look at the layers of support required during this time."
He added: "We understand this is a very difficult time for our student. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved."
