For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy noticeThe body of a child has been discovered at an address in Southend, Essex Police have 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 force said the investigation into the child’s death will continue to be led by detectives from its crime and public protection command.