Police rushed to quiet residential street after young victim was discovered at property on Tuesday evening
A woman has been charged with murder after a four-year-old boy was found dead at a home in an affluent Berkshire town, leaving a community in shock.
Akanksha Adivarekar, 37, of Dunholme End, Maidenhead, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court today charged with one count of murder following the tragic discovery on Tuesday evening.
Thames Valley Police officers rushed to the residential address at around 6.30pm on June 10, where the young victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Boy’s identity not yet released
The child’s formal identification has not yet taken place, though his next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
The accused woman, who lives at the same address where the boy was found, was arrested on the same day as the incident and had been held in police custody while detectives from the Major Crime Unit launched their investigation.
‘Exceptionally tragic incident’
Detective Inspector Rob Underhill, leading the investigation, described the death as “exceptionally tragic” and extended his condolences to the boy’s family.
This is an exceptionally tragic incident, in which a young boy has tragically passed away,” he said.
Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the boy’s next of kin are aware and my thoughts, and the thoughts of all of us at Thames Valley Police, are with them at this extremely difficult time.
Community left reeling
The quiet residential street in Maidenhead, a historic market town on the River Thames known for its Royal connections and affluent residents, remained sealed off for a week as forensic teams combed the property for evidence.
Police maintained a visible presence at the scene until Tuesday, June 17, with patrol cars and a police van stationed outside the property while investigators carried out their work.
“There is a scene-watch in place at the address while the investigation continues,” Detective Inspector Underhill confirmed.
No wider threat to public
Thames Valley Police moved quickly to reassure local residents that the incident was isolated and there was no broader danger to the community.
“I recognise the concern this will cause in the local community. However, we are confident that there is no wider risk to the community and thank you for your patience as our officers continue their work,” the senior detective said.
He urged anyone with concerns to speak to officers at the scene, adding: “The scene-watch is likely to remain in place for some time.
Court appearance
Adivarekar appeared before magistrates in Reading this morning (Thursday, June 19) for a brief hearing where she was formally charged with murder.
The case is expected to be sent to crown court for further proceedings, with the accused likely to be remanded in custody pending trial.
Investigation continues
The Major Crime Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death, though police have released limited details while the case remains active.
Detective Inspector Underhill emphasized that officers were “still in the very early stages of this investigation” when the arrest was made.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the affluent Thames-side town, which sits just 30 miles west of London and is perhaps best known as the constituency of former Prime Minister Theresa May.
Timeline of events:
- Tuesday, June 10, 6.30pm – Police called to address in Dunholme End
- Same evening – Four-year-old boy pronounced dead at scene
- Same evening – 37-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder
- June 10-17 – Police maintain scene-watch at property
- Wednesday, June 18 – Woman charged with murder
- Thursday, June 19 – Akanksha Adivarekar appears at Reading Magistrates’ Court
This is a developing story. More to follow…
Image credit: Stephen Richards via Wikimedia Commons — Licensed under CC BY‑SA 2.0
