A mother and father have appeared in court over the death of their baby boy.

Eloddie Goncalves, 31, of Broadfields, Harlow, has been charged with murdering baby Malik Goncalves in August 2020.

Goncalves, who appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, is also charged with child neglect.

Muritala Olaiya-Imam, 36, of Western Avenue, Dagenham, has been charged with causing or allowing the death of a child.

Essex Police said officers were called to reports that the child had been taken ill at an address in Joyners Field in Harlow shortly before 10am on August 19 2020.

The force said the baby was pronounced dead despite the efforts of paramedics.

Goncalves and Olaiya-Imam, who were remanded in custody after appearing separately in court, were charged on Tuesday and will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday.