‘Innocent’ girl, 7, was playing with sisters when falling tree crushed her to death

A seven-year-old girl crushed to death by a falling tree has been described as ‘innocent’ and ‘wise beyond her years’ by her family.

The victim, believed to have been with her family, was enjoying the warm weather in Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea when a tree suddenly collapsed, striking the group.

One girl was killed, three other children were injured, and a six-year-old girl is still fighting for her life after the tragedy at 3pm on Sunday.

Hearing screaming, Bani, the girl’s cousin, raced towards her to find dozens of locals, including a cricket team, trying to rip the heavy branch off her.

He told Metro: ‘She was playing with her sisters near the tree and suddenly it started to fall.

‘When I found out, 50 people had gone to raise the tree off her.

‘Her mother is very sad.

‘She was an honest girl who was always good in school. She had so much wisdom for someone so young. Now she is gone.’

With images emerging of the ailing cedar tree being propped up by metal poles before the collapse, the victim’s cousin hit out at parkkeepers’ inaction.

‘The tree was over 200 years old and being held up’, he added.

‘In my opinion, it should’ve been cut down safely then she might still be here.’

Southend-On-Sea City Council have been approached for comment.

He thanked Essex locals who donated to a GoFundMe page, which has currently raised over £23,000.

Spokesperson for Westcliff-on-Sea Cricket Club, Tom Clark, told Metro the team didn’t see the children before the incident, but quickly ran over to help.

‘The area was behind our clubhouse and is busy with lots of families and children around,’ he said.

‘Between 50 to 60 people were involved in lifting the tree: players, spectators, members from Westcliff-on-Sea Cricket club, Old Brentwoods Cricket Club, Leigh-on-Sea Cricket Club and Redbridge Cricket Club, along with members of the public.

‘It was a harrowing experience for all involved, with not only the sight of the children but the cries from the parents as well.

‘Everyone reacted without hesitation and did all they could to help the children, including performing CPR and assisting the emergency services who were on the scene quickly and took control of the rescue effort.’

First team captain of Westcliff Cricket Club member Joe Robbins, said on Facebook: ‘It’s absolutely heartbreaking as a parent of two young girls to see what happened, and mine and the whole club’s hearts go out to the parents of those children involved.

‘I want to comment on the unbelievable heroism of the members at the club and our first 11 members who sprinted off the field to attend and do their best to help, and to all of those who assisted and provided for the amazing emergency services who were at the scene.

‘All of us at Westcliff Cricket Club are heartbroken by what’s happened, and we pass on our regards to the families involved. Have to say those police officers at the scene were a credit to Essex Police, as well as all of the emergency services.’

The club also released an official statement, reading: ‘Everyone at Westcliff-on-Sea Cricket Club is devastated to learn the news about the young girl who passed away at Chalkwell Park on Saturday afternoon.

‘Our condolences and thoughts go out to the little girl’s family. We cannot begin to imagine the pain they must be going through. Our best wishes are with the remaining casualties, and we can only hope they pull through.’

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said: ‘It’s 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.’

Cllr Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend-on-Sea city council, told Metro: “This was a devastating incident and our heartfelt thoughts remain with the family, those injured, and everyone affected.

‘We understand the strength of feeling locally surrounding this tragedy. The police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances around the collapse of the tree, and we want thorough answers so it would be inappropriate for the council to comment further or pre-empt their findings at this time.

‘Our focus must be on supporting the community and allowing the investigation to provide the answers we all need.’

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