"We'll take the learnings, if there are any": Southend council leader on Chalkwell Park fatality
Leader of Southend-on-Sea Council, Daniel Cowan, has said he wants to find out the truth about what happened
Southend council tells us it wants to get to the truth of what happened after a seven year old girl was killed by a collapsing tree.
It's as police investigations continue into the Chalkwell Park incident, which saw a tree fall on four children just before 3pm on 28 June 2025.
When asked if there had been prior concerns about the tree, Councillor Dan Cowan told Greatest Hits Radio:
"We don't know what happened. We're just as keen as anybody to find out the truth.
"If it's something that we can take some learnings from and seek to do things differently in the future, we will absolutely take those learnings.
"It may have been just a random freak accident, we just don't know.
"Once we have the truth of what happened from the independent investigation, we'll do what we need to do."
Three other children were injured including a six year old girl who remains in "critical condition", according to Essex police.
MP David Burton-Sampson, Southend West and Leigh, attended the vigil in Chalkwell Park on 30 June 2025 alongside members of the council and emergency service members.
He said: "We ned to allow the police conclude with their investigation and then the council to carry out their investigation
"We shouldn't speculate at this stage.
"My thoughts are with the families of those who have been injured and the girl that has lost her life.
"In the fullness of time we'll understand what has happened and I'm sure on the back of that, appropriate action can be taken.
Mr Burton-Sampson added: "I'm sure this will have a deep impact on many and I encourage people to reach out for help."
"Please get the support to help process the horrendous events that were witnessed on Saturday."
If you or someone you know requires support, you can visit your local Essex Mind or Samaritans on 116 123.