Children among casualties after tree falls in park
Five children have been taken to hospital, two with serious injuries, after a tree fell in a seaside park.
Essex Police said there were "a number of casualties" after the "serious incident" at Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea.
The force was called shortly before 15:00 BST on Saturday and was at the scene along with ambulance and fire service teams.
"We would please ask the public to avoid this area where possible while this work continues," police said in a statement on social media.
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "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."
They added that "six ambulances, three ambulance officer vehicles, the London Air Ambulance and Kent Air Ambulance were sent to the scene".
Southend-on-Sea City Council leader Daniel Cowan said: "I'm aware of this very serious incident. We're working with Essex police, the ambulance service and fire service.
"I do understand that a tree has fallen, there's a number of casualties and we're just asking the public to avoid the area whilst those services carry out their work, and my thoughts are with those affected."
The MP for Southend West and Leigh, David Burton-Sampson, told the BBC:
"I am aware of the terrible accident that has happened at Chalkwell Park this afternoon.
"My deepest thoughts are with all those who have been impacted
"I encourage people not to speculate at this stage but to avoid the area and allow the emergency services to do their work."
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