A seven-year-old girl has died after a tree fell in a public park, with four more children in hospital.
Emergency services were called to reports that a tree had partially collapsed in Chalkwell Park in Southend, at around 3pm on Saturday, police said. They found a number of children caught beneath the tree suffering injuries.
“The park was busy with members of the public and many immediately went to their aid”, the force said. “Officers, paramedics and firefighters were soon on the scene and provided care. Two children, girls aged seven and six, suffered serious injuries and were taken on to hospital.
Specialist police officers are supporting the seven-year-old’s family. A six-year-old remains in critical condition and three further children have received hospital treatment for minor injuries.
Police are continuing enquiries at the park as they investigate the circumstances around the “serious incident”. While the majority of the park remains open, the force asked the public to avoid clearly cordoned off areas.
Footage showed an increased police presence around the perimeter of the park and an air ambulance on the grounds.
Adam Hutchins, 47, told EssexLive: “I heard there were kids playing on the tree. They heard a big crack. It must have pretty loud. They went running over and there were kids underneath the tree.
“All the cricket guys ran over and tried to loft the tree up. I think it’s one of the oldest trees. It had metal stands propping it up.”
Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said: “Families are facing unimaginable hardship this evening and all of our thoughts are with them at this time.
“I cannot begin to put into words how difficult today’s events have been, and continue to be, for them. It’s also not lost on me how traumatic it must have been for the members of the public who witnessed this awful incident”, the statement continued.
“Across a matter of moments, many of them went from enjoying the warm summer weather to rushing to the aid of strangers without a second thought. They showed the best of Southend today and I’m sorry this update does not bring them more positive news.
“My officers, and our partners with the ambulance and fire service, did all they could to help the two injured children,” the police chief said. “Today’s loss is one they will all take personally.
“We will ensure support is in place for all of our emergency service responders who provided aid at the scene.”
Southend West and Leigh MP David Burton-Sampson added: “The news of the sad death of one of the children involved in the incident at Chalkwell Park today is truly devastating.
“I am sure I reflect the thoughts of all our residents here in Southend in sending my deepest condolences to the child’s family and friends.
“My thoughts are also with the other children injured and I wish them a full and speedy recovery.
“At the time of the incident the park was very busy and a number of people witnessed what happened.
“I understand that this must have been deeply traumatising and I encourage residents to use the support available to help them.”
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.55pm to reports that a tree had fallen in Chalkwell Park in Chalkwell. Six ambulances, three ambulance officer vehicles, the London Air Ambulance and Kent Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.
“Two children were transported by road to Southend University Hospital. A further three children were later transported by road to the same hospital with minor injuries.”
Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council Daniel Cowan said: “I’m aware of this very serious incident. We’re working with Essex police, the Ambulance Service and Fire Service, who are still at the scene.
“I do understand that a tree has fallen, there’s a number of casualties and we’re just asking the public to avoid the area whilst those services carry out their work, and my thoughts are with those affected.”
Chalkwell Park is a recreational ground that covers 27 hectares and contains a number of flower gardens, two children’s playgrounds, a skate park, and football, cricket, basketball and tennis grounds.
