Teen driver and adult passenger, William Lunnon, face murder charges after boy dies following collision

A 15-year-old driver and his 43-year-old passenger have been charged with murder after they allegedly chased and struck a 12-year-old boy with a car.

Bobby Bloomfield was left serious injuries after he was hit by a vehicle in Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, Essex on Sunday and died a short time later in hospital, Essex Police said.

William Lunnon, 43, of Pilgrims Hatch, and a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have both been charged with murder.

Prosecutor Rohini Majumdar told Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Thursday that Bobby and his friends had been on private property when Lunnon approached them and asked them to leave.

The boys allegedly "ran off" but were subsequently chased by the two defendants in a car, which was driven by the teenager.

The vehicle then "struck" Bobby, Ms Majumdar said, before the teenager stepped out of the car "punched and kicked" the boy.

It is alleged that they then left Bobby on the side of the road.

In court, the 15-year-old wore a quarter-zip jumper and jeans, and spoke to confirm his date of birth and that he understood the matter could only be dealt with at a Crown court.

Lunnon, who wore a grey prison jumpsuit, was also silent except for to confirm his age, date of birth and address.

The pair will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday for a preliminary hearing.

On Tuesday, four more people were arrested as part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Two men, aged 65 and 54, and two women, aged 65 and 45, all from Pilgrims Hatch, remain in police custody on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

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Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood said: "This remains a complex investigation, and we have made significant progress, including bringing charges and making further arrests.

"Our focus remains on establishing the full circumstances and supporting Bobby's family, who have suffered an unimaginable loss."

He added: "I continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help us build a clear and accurate picture of events.

"If you were in the area at the time, or have anything that could assist our investigation, please report it via the public portal."

Bobby's family paid tribute to the 12-year-old earlier this week.

"Losing a child is every parent's nightmare," they said. "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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Teen driver and adult passenger, William Lunnon, face murder charges after boy dies following collision