Cricket club heroes praised after trying to save children from collapsed tree

A cricket club has been lauded for their bravery after members sprinted off the field to help lift a tree that collapsed on five children in a park.

Families were enjoying the warm weather in Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea when a tree suddenly collapsed, striking the group.

A seven-year-old girl was killed, three other children were injured, and a six-year-old girl is still in ‘very serious’ condition after the tragedy.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the young girl killed in the tragic accident and has currently raised over £23,000.

Local community members jumped into action after the tree, which witnesses said was held up by metal poles ‘for years’, suddenly fell.

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.’

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