Girl, 7, dies after tree collapses at park in Southend

One girl has died and another is in a critical condition after a tree partially collapsed at a park in Essex.

The girls, aged seven and six, suffered serious injuries when they were among a number of children caught beneath the tree at Chalkwell Park in Southend.

Essex Police confirmed the seven-year-old girl died in hospital and her family is receiving support from specialist officers.

Three other children suffered minor injuries following the incident.

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."

Police said an investigation is continuing into what caused the tree to collapse.

'Unimaginable hardship' for families

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.

"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."

Chief Sup Hammett also paid tribute to police, ambulance and fire crews who "did all they could," adding that "today's loss is one they will all take personally".

Death is 'truly devastating'

Local MP David Burton-Sampson said: "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.

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