Police confirm a 37-year-old woman will face court after a boy was found dead in Maidenhead

A 37-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of a four-year-old boy following a devastating incident at a home in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Thames Valley Police confirmed that officers were called to a property in Dunholme End on the evening of 10 June, where they found the child unresponsive.

Emergency services arrived shortly after 18:30 BST, but the boy was pronounced dead at the scene despite their efforts. His formal identification has not yet been made public, and authorities have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

The woman, named by police as Akanksha Adivarekar, was arrested at the scene and later charged with one count of murder. She is scheduled to appear before Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

A heavy police presence was reported in the area on the night of the incident, with neighbours expressing shock and disbelief at the tragic events that unfolded on the otherwise quiet residential street.

One local resident, who asked not to be named, described the scene as “heartbreaking,” adding: “You never expect something so horrific to happen right on your doorstep. It’s shaken the whole street.”

Police officers cordoned off the area for several hours while forensic teams examined the scene. The detached property on Dunholme End, where Adivarekar lived, became the focus of the investigation, with uniformed officers seen going door to door to gather statements from neighbours.

Detectives have so far remained tight-lipped about any potential motive, only confirming that the woman and child were known to each other. However, they reassured the public that they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the case.

In a statement issued late Wednesday, a spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said:
“This is an extremely distressing case, and our thoughts are with all those affected. We would ask the public not to speculate on the circumstances while the judicial process begins.”

The case is expected to draw national attention, as questions loom over how the young child died and what led to the charges being filed so swiftly.

Child protection charities have called the case a tragedy and have urged the public to be vigilant in supporting vulnerable families.

“This is a devastating reminder of how fragile childhood can be,” said a spokesperson for the NSPCC. “We are ready to support the authorities in any way we can and continue to urge anyone with concerns about a child’s safety to speak out.”

Maidenhead MP and former Prime Minister Theresa May also commented briefly, expressing her condolences. “This is an unspeakable tragedy. My heart goes out to the family and all those who knew the young boy,” she said.

As the community grapples with the shock of the loss, floral tributes and teddy bears have begun to appear outside the property, with passers-by pausing to pay their respects.

Adivarekar remains in custody and will be brought before magistrates on Thursday, where the case may be referred to a higher court given the seriousness of the charge.

For now, Thames Valley Police continue their investigation, and the community of Maidenhead mourns the life of a young boy lost far too soon.