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Five-year-old who died was sweet soul, says family

Essex Police Lincoln Button wearing his school uniform, which is a green sweater that has a green polo top underneath. He has short brown hair and is smiling at the camera while sitting in a classroom. Essex Police
Lincoln Button was a Year 1 pupil at Bonnygate Primary School, in South Ockendon

A five-year-old boy who was found dead on Sunday was "adored by all", his family said.

Lincoln Button died at an address in Windstar Drive, South Ockendon, Thurrock, Essex.

"Linc was a cherished, loved, sweet, beautiful young soul... he will be sorely missed every day," his family said in a statement.

Essex Police said a woman arrested on suspicion of murder remained in custody.

Officers said they were not looking to identify anyone else in their "extremely sensitive and complex investigation".

Alex Stevanovic/BBC Two police cars are parked outside a modern set of flats, which have cream coloured bricks and windows with black rims.Alex Stevanovic/BBC
People have been urged to not speculate about the circumstances surrounding Lincoln's death

On Sunday, emergency workers were called to reports of serious concerns for a child and a woman shortly after 15:00 GMT.

The woman was taken to hospital, where her condition improved, said police.

Bonnygate Primary School, where Lincoln was a Year 1 pupil, described him as a "cheeky, smiley, happy boy".

"His love for school, laughter and cuddles will be remembered and missed dearly," a statement read.

The school said it was working with authorities and was being supported by Thurrock Council's education team.

'Unthinkable pain'

Alex Stevanovic/BBC Road with houses and three and five-storey flats surrounding it. There is a grassed area in front of the properties with a footpath winding through it, with young trees and a low wooden fence next to the road in the foregroundAlex Stevanovic/BBC
Emergency services were called to Windstar Drive on Sunday

Det Ch Insp Alan Blakesley, who is leading the investigation, said: "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.

"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."

Police have urged people not to speculate about the circumstances of the child's death.

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