Murder suspect, 38, charged after man died in 'aggravated assault' near elementary school

A day after a serious attack took place a few meters from a primary school, a 38-year-old man has been charged with murder.

Shortly after 3.30pm on Thursday, police officers were called to an address in Brentwood, Essex, following a report of an assault in which a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

John Moore, 38, of Ingrave Road, Brentwood, appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Saturday morning, charged with murder and remanded in custody.

He will appear at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday for a plea hearing and trial preparation.

Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter, responded to the incident on Ingrave Road, where a closure remained in place on Saturday.

On Saturday, several flowers were laid at the scene of the accident on Ingrave Road to express condolences.

The attack took place 300 metres from Hogarth Primary School, where the school day had ended just minutes earlier.

Police said the victim's family had been informed and were being supported during the ongoing murder investigation.

On Saturday, several flowers were laid at the scene of the accident.

Detective Inspector Lisa Hurrell said: “Our work continues today and officers will continue to maintain a visible presence and keep the community safe.”

“We urge the public to speak to officials if they have any concerns.”

“Whenever incidents of this nature occur, no matter how rare they are, there is understandable concern.”

“But we responded very quickly to what we understand to be an isolated incident of violence, and we are confident there is no ongoing threat to the wider community in Brentwood.”

Yesterday, Det Insp Hurrell sought to reassure residents, saying: “This incident occurred on a busy residential street and I understand how distressing this must be for the residents of Brentwood.”

Immediately after the incident on Friday, the area was cordoned off by police.

Police tried to reassure the public and described the tragedy as “an isolated incident of violence.”

“Our officers arrived at the scene within two minutes and an arrest was made just over an hour after the report was received by police.”

“We ask anyone who witnessed this incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage from the area to contact us.”

Anyone with information can visit www.essex.police.uk or call 101 quoting incident 715 of 12 September.