BRENTWOOD, Essex — A 43-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy have been formally charged with murder following the tragic death of a 12-year-old schoolboy who was struck by a vehicle over the weekend.

The young victim, identified by Essex Police as Bobby Bloomfield, suffered catastrophic injuries during the collision in the Pilgrims Hatch area of Brentwood on Sunday evening.

Emergency services were called to Ashwells Road in Pilgrims Hatch at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2026, following urgent reports that a vehicle had collided with a child.

First responders discovered Bobby at the scene with severe injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital under emergency conditions but tragically passed away a short time later. Bobby was a pupil at the nearby Shenfield High School, which has since expressed profound shock and sadness over the devastating loss.

Following a swift initial inquiry, police arrested two individuals on Sunday evening. Authorities have now formally charged William Lunnon, 43, of Ashwells Road, and a 15-year-old boy—who cannot be identified due to legal protections regarding juveniles—with murder. Both suspects have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to make their initial appearance before a magistrates' court on Thursday, June 11.

As the investigation intensified, detectives executed further warrants on Tuesday afternoon, arresting four additional residents from Pilgrims Hatch. Two men, aged 54 and 65, alongside two women, aged 45 and 65, remain in custody on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

In a heartbreaking statement issued through Essex Police, Bobby’s family expressed the absolute devastation of their loss:

"Losing a child is every parent's nightmare. We are living that nightmare and no words can ever explain how we are feeling. Bobby brought light and life into all our lives and we have lost that forever. The hole he has left can never be filled."

Floral tributes, handwritten notes, and soft toys have continued to accumulate along Ashwells Road as grief-stricken friends, schoolmates, and local residents gather to pay their respects.

Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, who is leading the high-profile investigation, emphasized that despite the breakthrough in charges, the inquiry remains highly active.

"This remains a complex investigation, and we have made significant progress, including bringing charges and making further arrests," DCI Wood stated. "Our focus remains on establishing the full circumstances and supporting Bobby's family, who have suffered an unimaginable loss."

Essex Police have classified the collision as an isolated incident with no broader risk to the public. Detectives are continuing to appeal to anyone who was in the Ashwells Road area between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, or anyone with relevant CCTV, dash cam, or smart doorbell footage, to submit it directly via the force's dedicated public portal.