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

Sarah Hooper | Live News Reporter Published August 10, 2026 10:42pm Updated August 10, 2026 10:42pm The child was discovered in a home in Essex (Picture: Shutterstock) 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 polic