Two children 'seriously injured' after tree falls in park as police declare 'serious incident'

Officers from Essex Police encouraged members of the public to stay away from the site.

One eyewitness told local media: "a massive branch of the tree snapped off."

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."

A spokesman from Essex Police said: "We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Chalkwell Park. 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 at the scene is ongoing. We would please ask the public to avoid this area where possible while this work continues."

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An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson told EssexLive: "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. 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."

Southend West and Leigh MP David Burton-Sampson wrote on social media: "I am hearing about a worrying incident in Chalkwell Park and I’m awaiting further details.

"In the meantime please avoid speculation until full details are released. My thoughts are with those affected."

Labour & Co-op councillor for St Laurence ward Daniel Cowan said on social media: "I am aware that a serious incident has occurred in Chalkwell Park. My thoughts are with those affected."