An 18-year-old woman has died after being struck by a small articulated loading vehicle that a group of people had taken “unauthorised control” of, police have confirmed.
The incident happened in the Chalkwell Park area of Southend in the early hours of Saturday, June 13, where the woman suffered severe injuries and was rushed to hospital. She has since died, Essex Police said in a statement: “We had been called to the Chalkwell Park area at around 12.30am on Saturday 13 June to reports a group of people to have taken unauthorised control of a small articulated loading vehicle."
“Woman, 18, dies after group took loading vehicle in Essex park; two teenagers arrested on bail.”
The force added: “An 18 year-old woman had sustained significant injuries following an incident in the Chalkwell Park. She was taken to hospital but, sadly, has since died and officers are continuing to support her family.”
Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the incident. An 18-year-old man from Westcliff and a 17-year-old boy were detained on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and have been bailed until September.
Police believe a large crowd of young people was in the area at the time and are appealing for witnesses. “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,” the force said. “We need anyone who has information and who we’ve not already spoken with to come forward.”
On social media, tributes have poured in. One Facebook user wrote: “So devastating for all involved. My thoughts are with the girls family & friends.” Another said: “So sad my thought are with her family xxx.” A further post read: “God bless her, thoughts with her family and friends.”
Essex Police have urged anyone with information to contact them via their website or by calling 101 quoting incident 39 of 13 June.