Home   Kent   News   Article

The 'charming boy' found dead at his home

Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Found dead: James Taylor
Found dead: James Taylor

This is James Taylor, the 11-year-old schoolboy discovered dead at his Kent home.

His mother Jenny - who was arrested after the discovery of his body at a house in New Ash Green, near Dartford - is under police guard in hospital.

James - described by neighbours as "a charming boy" and by his school as having "great academic promise" - was found at around 5.30am Tuesday after police were called to Knights Croft.

An initial post mortem has been done but further tests are being carried out and the cause of death is not yet known.

However, police have said James's death is being treated as "suspicious" but nobody else is being sought in connection with it.

Police said today officers have not yet spoken to his mother. Jenny Taylor was yesterday described as being in a critical but stable condition at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford. Today, police said she was stable.

James's father, who is not a UK resident, has been informed of his death.

Neighbour Jeffrey Topp, aged 60, said James could often be seen outside playing. He said: "He was always out on the fields playing football or on his trampoline.

"He would knock on our door to get his ball back. He was a charming boy."

James was a pupil at Wilmington Grammar School, near Dartford. In a letter to parents, the head teacher wrote: "It is with immense sadness that I write to inform you of the tragic death of one of our year seven students.

"This young man only joined us a few weeks ago had settled in well, making new friends and showing great academic promise."

~ Read the letter on the school's website >>>

The end of terrace house was cordoned off to enable forensic officers to enter the property.

Kent Police’s Major Crime Department is investigating the death.


• For more news from Dartford visit dartfordmessenger.co.uk >>>

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More