A seven-year-old girl, who died after a tree fell on her, has been named as Leonna Ruka.
Her family have paid a heartbreaking tribute, calling her "the light of their lives".
Ruka was visiting Southend-on-Sea with her family when a tree fell on her, which was reportedly held up by metal poles.
Police said a six-year-old is also in a critical condition following the incident.
The seven-year-old has been named as Leonna Ruka
PA
In a statement, Ruka's family said: "We need space to grieve, to remember our precious Leonna, and to begin the slow and painful process of healing.
"Leonna will live forever in our hearts - in every laugh, every sunbeam, every act of kindness we see in the world.
"We were so lucky to have had her, even if only for a short time. Thank you for holding her in your hearts."
The family described her as a "funny and kind" girl, who was a "shining star who brought happiness wherever she went, and she met".
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Essex Police assistant chief constable Lucy Morris issued a statement, saying: "All of our hearts break for Leonna and her family.
"To lose a child in any circumstance is unthinkable; to lose a child in this terrible way defies all belief."
Morris confirmed a "full and independent police investigation underway"; however, it will take time.
She said: "We will update on the outcome of these enquiries as soon as we possibly can. Until then, I'd ask that the public remember how harmful potentially unsubstantiated commentary can be.
The tree that collapsed in an Essex park on Saturday was reportedly held up by metal polesFACEBOOK"There will be a time and a place for the facts around what led to this incident to be explored in a public forum.
"Our investigation is still at a relatively early stage and, as desperately as people want answers, I'd please urge patience."
Ruka's family thanked the Southend community and beyond "for every candle lit, every flower placed [and] every tear shared in her memory".
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