THE family of a boy who died during an incident in South Ockendon have paid tribute to him as a "beautiful young soul who will be missed every day". 

Police officers and medics worked to save the life a young boy at an address in Windstar Drive shortly after 3pm on Sunday, 15 December. 

Essex Police have today (Tuesday, 17 December) named the boy as five-year-old Lincoln Button.

Emergency services were called to the address with reports of serious concerns for a child and a woman. 

The woman was taken to hospital for treatment and her condition did improve. 

As a result of the information presented to police early on in the investigation, the woman was arrested on suspicion of murder, and she remains in custody.

A police statement says: "We are not looking to identify anyone else as part of this investigation." 

Today, Lincoln's family said: "'Link' was a cherished, loved, sweet, beautiful young soul who was adored by all and will be sorely missed every day." 

Lincoln was a Year One pupil at Bonnygate Primary School, in South Ockendon which is part of the Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust, which runs schools across the borough including St Clere's and Thames Park secondaries and a clutch of primaries.  

In a statement, the school described Lincoln as a cheeky, smiley, happy boy who was loved fondly by 'our Bonnygate family'. 

It added: "His love for school, laughter and cuddles will be remembered and missed dearly.  

Bonnygate Primary School.

"The school is working closely with the authorities and is being supported by Thurrock Council's education team, who offer support and advice to schools over sensitive issues. 

"The school's priority is to support those within the community who need help to come to terms with this tragic loss."

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Blakesley, who is leading the Essex Police investigation, said: "This remains an extremely sensitive and complex investigation which we are carrying out with the care, compassion and professionalism that I know Lincoln's family – and the wider public – would expect. 

"Those involved are continuing to work around the clock to ensure that we understand the full circumstances of what happened in the lead up to Lincoln's death on Sunday. We are leaving no line of enquiry unchecked." 

DCI Blakesley added: "I also want to reemphasise that at the heart of this investigation is the death of a young child with a family now facing an unthinkable pain. 

"I would continue to urge the community – here and further afield – to please not speculate on the circumstances around Lincoln's death and to give his family space."

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Thurrock Council's cabinet member for children's services, has issued a statement following the death of Lincoln.

Cllr Hartstean said: "I was shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Lincoln's death. It is difficult to imagine the pain and suffering of his family, his friends and the community at Bonnygate Primary School.

"We have been working closely with the school in every way we can to make sure they have the support and advice they need as they help the community pay tribute to Lincoln and to come to terms with this tragic loss. 

"I want to thank Essex Police and other emergency services for their response to the incident over the weekend and all they have done since to support those directly affected, and the wider community.

"It is a desperately sad time for those who knew and loved Lincoln. My thoughts are with them all."