Loughton Town Council have officially confirmed that all Christmas events scheduled for this week have been cancelled following a hit and run incident which killed a schoolboy.

The Countdown to Christmas event at The Broadway, Debden and carol signing service at Jessel Green were scheduled to take place on Friday, December 6.

12-year-old Harley Watson died in hospital after being struck in what Essex Police have deemed a deliberate hit and run outside Debden Park High School on Monday, December 2.

Six people were also injured, five of whom were teenagers.

Officers have since launched a murder investigation and have arrested 51-year-old Terry Glover from Loughton in connection to the incident.

Loughton Town Councillor Chris Pond said: "As ward member for Broadway, I was very distressed to hear yesterday of this horrible incident, which can only have been calculated to cause the maximum injury in Willingale Road at a time it would be crowded with schoolchildren walking towards the station and buses.

"The loss of a life which held so much promise is tragic, and the whole Town will mourn with the families

"As a mark of respect to the bereaved and injured, the Town Council have cancelled the countdown to Christmas event on Friday."