Girl, 7, killed and six-year-old in critical condition in Southend Park tree collapse

Five children have been rushed to hospital after a tree fell in a park in Southend. One girl, 7, has since died, with another child, 6, in a critical condition. "We were called at 2.55pm to reports that a tree had fallen in Chalkwell Park in Chalkwell," An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said. "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."

"We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Chalkwell Park," a spokesperson for Essex Police earlier said. "Officers, alongside ambulance and fire service colleagues, are responding. We were alerted shortly before 3pm to reports of a tree falling in the park. There have been a number of casualties and our work is ongoing. We would please ask the public to avoid this area while this work continues. Updates will be issued as soon as is possible."

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