Chelmsford murder: Man charged

A man has been charged with murder following the death of 16-year-old Andy Wood in Chelmsford.

Officers were called to an area near to a green space off Waterson Vale in Chelmsford at around 11.30pm on Sunday (12 February) following reports of a serious assault.

The victim, 16-year-old Andy Wood was taken to hospital where he sadly died.

Today, investigating officers have charged an 18-year-old man in connection with Andy’s death.

Elijah Clark, of Gloucester Avenue, Chelmsford has been charged with murder, ABH, and possession of a pointed article.

He's due to appear at Colchester Magistrates Court on tomorrow (Thursday 16 February).

This afternoon, officers also arrested a 17 year old boy on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with this investigation. He remains in custody.

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

You can let us know by submitting information through the dedicated major incident reporting portal.

Alternatively you can call us on 101.

To find out more about the different reporting services visit our 'Help Us Help You' webpage. 

If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

Update: 8pm

A teenager who died following an assault in Chelmsford on Sunday night has been described as a “kind and loving young man”.

We are now in a position to confirm we believe the teenager to be 16 year-old Andy Wood.

Andy was found injured close to green space off Waterson Vale at around 11.30pm.

He was taken to hospital but, sadly, later died.

In a statement, Andy’s family said:

“Andy was a kind and loving young man.

“He touched the lives of countless people.

“His loss has left a massive hole in the lives of his family and friends.”

We would ask that his family are now left to grieve in peace and that people refrain from speculating on social media about the circumstances surrounding Andy’s death.

An 18 year-old man from Chelmsford arrested on suspicion of his murder remains in custody.

Officers investigating the death of a 16-year-old boy in Chelmsford last night are confident that this was an isolated incident.

A murder investigation has been launched after a boy sustained serious injuries following an assault on a green space off Waterson Vale in Chelmsford at around 11.30pm.

He was taken to hospital where, sadly, he died. His family are aware and receiving support.

Less than two hours after the report was made to us, officers arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

Specialist officers including detectives from our Serious Crime Directorate and forensic officers remain at the scene, where a cordon is in place whilst enquiries continue.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, Head of Major Crime, said:

“This is a shocking incident leading to the death of a young boy and I understand that many will be concerned after waking up to this news.

“We are confident that this is an isolated assault.

“The specialist teams are likely to remain in the area for the next couple of days in order to continue gathering crucial evidence.

“We are continuing to appeal to anyone who was in the area of Waterson Vale or surround roads in Chelmsford last night and may have witnessed or heard anything to contact us.

"Additionally, anyone with any further information is asked to get in touch. We have launched a Major Incident Public Portal, meaning the public can submit information online, directly to the investigation team.”

Officers were called to Waterson Vale in Chelmsford at around 11:30pm last night, Sunday 12 February, following reports of a boy sustaining serious injuries. The victim was taken to hospital where he sadly died. His family are aware and receiving support from specialist officers.

In the early hours of this morning, an 18-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Ashley Howard, of Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: 

“This is a tragic incident where a 16-year-old child has lost his life. We have a team of officers working solidly to determine what has happened here and get justice for his family.
"A cordon has been put in place at Waterson Vale and we are likely to remain there for a while whilst enquiries continue. I know that this may cause disruption however it is vital we understand how this incident happened.
“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area of Waterson Vale or surrounding roads in Chelmsford last night and may have witnessed or heard anything, or anyone who has any further information to contact us to assist with this investigation.”

Please quote incident 1321 of 12 February when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.