Teenage girl killed after being ran over by 'stolen' digger in Essex park

A teenage girl has died six days after being rammed by an allegedly stolen digger.

Last Saturday, an 18-year-old woman suffered serious injuries in an incident at Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea.

She was swiftly rushed to hospital by paramedics, but Essex Police sadly confirmed on Friday afternoon she had died.

Loved ones placed flowers and candles in the park to honour the woman's memory.

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One loving tribute described her as the "brightest star in the sky", adding she would be "forever in our hearts".

And the Labour MP for Southend West has since offered his condolences.

David Burton-Sampson said: "It is terribly sad news to hear that the teenage girl involved in the incident in the Chalkwell Park area has died.

"It is a tragedy that this young person has lost their life and my heart goes out to her family.

"I send my deepest condolences.

"I appeal for anyone with any information, who has not already spoken to the police, to do so as soon as they can."

The force confirmed the 18-year-old's family was continuing to receive support.

And leader of Southend-on-Sea Council, Daniel Cowan, gave his "deepest condolences" to the relatives.

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An 18-year-old man from Westcliff and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and bailed until September.

The force said it was called at about 12.30am on Saturday to a report that a group of people taken unauthorised control of a small articulating loading vehicle.

Detectives have called for more witnesses to come forward with information.

Essex Police previously said there were a "large number of young people" in the area at the time.

"We urgently need to hear from anyone with information or footage," the force said.

Chalkwell Park was where a tree collapsed, killing seven-year-old Leonna Ruka and injuring four other children.

Despite the best efforts from members of the public and emergency services, she died.

Her family described her as a "beautiful, bright and loving little girl, taken from us far too soon".

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