Witnesses will 'never forget the screams' as girl, 7, killed by tree in Chalkwell Park

People soaking up the sun in an Essex park "rushed to help immediately" when a falling tree struck a group of children.

At around 2.55pm on Saturday, June 28 emergncy services were called to reports that a tree had fallen in Chalkwell Park in Chalkwell, Essex. Six ambulances, three ambulance officer vehicles, the London Air Ambulance and Kent Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.

Several hours later Essex Police confirmed a girl, seven, passed away after a tree fell onto a group of children in Chalkwell Park, Southend. A six-year-old girl was said to be in a critical condition, while three more children received minor injuries and received hospital treatment. Dozens saw the incident and rushed to try and lift the tree, a witness said.

Essex Police urged the public to "avoid the area" while the incident was ongoing, with eyewitnesses reporting a "massive branch" had fallen.

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One witness spoke to MailOnline and said he would "never forget the screams" of the children involved, as he described seeing a tree "split and fall to the ground".

Residents speaking to EssexLive have said they were left in shock following the unexpected incident earlier today. 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 of Essex Police 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.

"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. 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."

Councillor Daniel Cowan, leader of the council, 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."

For more information on this incident click here.