Child, 7, dies and another critical after tree falls in park

BBC News, Essex

A witness said up to 50 people tried to lift the tree off the children who were trapped

A seven-year-old child has died and a six-year-old is critically injured after a tree collapsed in a park in Southend-on-Sea.

Essex Police said investigations were continuing at Chalkwell Park after part of the tree fell shortly before 15:00 BST on Saturday.

A witness who was playing cricket nearby described how "40 to 50 people" including his team tried to lift the tree off the trapped children.

Ishan Madan, 39, said: "The tree had snapped and I think there were four children, the fifth one was slightly further away. Two were rescued easily but unfortunately the other two girls were stuck under this massive tree."

Five children were taken to hospital, three with minor injuries, but a seven-year-old girl died in hospital.

Ch Supt Leighton Hammett said last night: "Families are facing unimaginable hardship this evening and all of our thoughts are with them at this time."

Specialist officers are supporting the families of those affected, while support is also being provided to emergency service responders.

Flowers have also been laid at the park following the accident

Mr Madan, an accountant from Westcliffe-on-Sea, said on hearing a scream everyone ran towards the tree.

"So we got bystanders to help, it must have been 40 to 50 people who then tried to lift the fallen tree up and to our horror, these two little girls, poor girls, were stuck underneath it."

"Their mother was on the corner. It was horrendous."

Mr Madan said he was told the children had been walking on a path when the tree fell.

Captain of Westcliff Cricket Club Joe Robbins praised "the unbelievable heroism of the members at the club and our First XI who sprinted off the field to do their best to help" and assisted the emergency services.

"All of us are heartbroken by what's happened and we pass on our regards to the families involved," he said.

Local people told the BBC the tree had been propped up by metal braces for several years

Steve Ives, 68, has lived in the neighbourhood since 2016 and comes to the park almost every day.

"The park is busy all the time with people taking their dogs out and families having picnics. It's fantastically maintained by the council," he said.

"The tree has been propped up by the metal props ever since I can remember.

"The boughs are just so huge. It always looked healthy and people stood under it and chatted. It's such an awful thing to happen."

Well-wishers have been bringing soft toys to offer condolences

Ch Supt Hammett added: "I cannot begin to put into words how difficult today's events have been, and continue to be, for them [the families].

"It's also not lost on me how traumatic it must have been for the members of the public who witnessed this awful incident.

"Many of them went from enjoying the warm summer weather to rushing to the aid of strangers without a second thought."

He continued: "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.

"Today's loss is one they will all take personally."

Two air ambulances attended the incident and five children were taken to hospital by land ambulance

Chalkwell Park is run by Southend-on-Sea City Council. Its leader Daniel Cowan said: "The death of a child is devastating, and my deepest, most heartfelt condolences are with the child's family and friends.

"My thoughts are also with the injured children and those on the scene. I hope the other children make a full and speedy recovery.

"This was a traumatic event for those involved, those who witnessed the incident, and the emergency services. I encourage those affected to seek support."

David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West and Leigh, said the news was "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."

Most of Chalkwell Park is open today but the public are asked to avoid the area that is cordoned off