Teenage girl critically injured after vehicle incident in Chalkwell Park, with arrests made

A teenage girl was left in a critical condition in hospital after suffering significant injuries during an incident involving a vehicle in Chalkwell Park.

Essex Police launched an urgent appeal for witnesses after officers were called to the park at around 12.30am on Saturday 13 June.

A crime scene cordon was put in place in Chalkwell Park, with multiple police cars and officers seen at the scene. Forensics officers were also seen carrying out enquiries in the park that morning.

Police said a group in the park was reported to have taken unauthorised control of a “small articulated loading vehicle”.

The teenage girl was believed to have then been involved in an incident with the vehicle, sustaining “significant” injuries.

Police officers and ambulance crews attended promptly, and paramedics rushed the girl to hospital, where she was reported to be in a critical condition.

Her family is being kept informed and supported by specialist police officers.

Essex Police confirmed two arrests have been made as part of their early enquiries.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “As part of our early enquiries, officers have arrested an 18-year-old man from Westcliff and a 17-year-old boy from Leigh-on-Sea. They remain in custody on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

“We know there were a large number of young people in the area at the time, and we believe some may have witnessed what happened. We urgently need to hear from anyone with information or footage.”

Police are asking anyone who was in or around Chalkwell Park at the time, or anyone with mobile phone, dashcam or other footage, to come forward.

David Burton-Sampson MP, the MP for Southend West and Leigh, said: “I am aware of this incident and am being kept informed of developments by Essex Police and the Leader of the Council.

“For now my thoughts are with the young girl who has been injured and I wish her a good recovery.”

Councillor Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend City Council, said: “This is a deeply concerning incident.

“My thoughts are with the young girl who has been critically injured, and with her family and loved ones at what must be an incredibly difficult time. I wish her a full and speedy recovery.

“I am being kept updated on developments and would like to thank the emergency services for their response. Essex Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police by submitting a report on their website or via the force’s 24/7 Live Chat service.

People can also call 101, quoting incident 39 of 13 June.