The body of a child has been discovered at an address in Southend, Essex Police have said.

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 a man and a woman were subsequently arrested, the force said.

Sophie Dean, 31, of Kenway, and James Thorpe, 32, of Shoeburyness, have since 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 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.

“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 quoting investigation number 42/125225/26,” it added.