Five children have been hospitalised after a tree fell on people in a park, with police declaring a ‘serious incident’.
Air ambulances, paramedic crews, police and the fire brigade all rushed to Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, just before 3pm today.
Two of the children are understood to have suffered severe injuries during the incident in the resort town’s Westcliff-on-Sea area.
An Essex Police spokesperson said: ‘We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Chalkwell Park in Southend.
‘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.
Air ambulances, paramedic crews, police and the fire brigade all rushed to Chalkwell Park (pictured, file photo) in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, just before 3pm today
Two of the children are understood to have suffered severe injuries. Pictured: File photo of Chalkwell Park
An Essex Police spokesperson said: ‘We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Chalkwell Park in Southend’. Pictured: File photo of the park
‘Updates will be issued as soon as is possible.’
An East of England Ambulance spokesperson said: ‘We were called at 2.55pm to reports that a tree had fallen in Chalkwell Park in Westcliff-on-Sea.
‘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 to the same hospital with minor injuries.’
David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West and Leigh, wrote on X: ‘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.
The Labour MP added: ‘As you may be aware, it has been confirmed that a tree has fallen and there are a number of casualties.
‘We ask the public to avoid the area and allow the emergency services to do their work.
MailOnline has contacted Essex Police for comment.
This is a breaking story – more updates to follow.
