The grieving family of a 12-year-old boy who died after being hit by a vehicle in Essex says he “brought light and life into all our lives” — as police officers arrest two men as part of a murder investigation.
Essex Police said that Bobby Bloomfield sustained serious injuries after he was hit by a vehicle in Pilgrims Hatch on Sunday and died a short time later in hospital.
A 15-year-old boy and a 43-year-old man, both from the Pilgrims Hatch area, were arrested on suspicion of murder, the force said on Monday.
Police said on Tuesday that their detention period has been extended after the force secured a magistrates’ warrant.
Officers had been called to the Ashwells Road area shortly before 5.40pm on Sunday.
In a statement released through police on Tuesday, Bobby’s family said: “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.
“We would ask for our privacy to be respected as we pull together as a family at this horrific time.”
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Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, who is overseeing the investigation, said: “Our investigation team has been working around the clock as they continue to build a complete picture of the tragic incident on Sunday.
“This is not straightforward work and there are complexities involved which of course we cannot explore publicly at this stage.
“This work has included the review of a significant amount of CCTV and obtaining key evidence from those nearby.
“This work is key to ensuring we understand all aspects of the incident as we progress.”
Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, Brentwood district commander, said: “We are acutely aware this incident is attracting commentary on social media.
“I would again like to urge the public to please respect a grieving family’s privacy at this terrible time.
“We are doing all we can to ensure they are supported both now and in the coming weeks and months.”
