The Leader has shared further information about the support available following the tragic incident at Chalkwell Park on Saturday 28 June. We understand this has affected many people across our community, and some may be struggling to come to terms with it. Several support services are signposted in the full statement here: https://www.southend.gov.uk/news/article/3357/statement-from-the-leader-of-southend-on-sea-city-council (fb)

Following Essex Police's update and the heartfelt tributes shared by the family of seven-year-old Leonna, Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, has issued the following statement: "This is a heartbreaking tragedy. On behalf of the whole city, I want to send our deepest condolences to Leonna's family. The tributes from her family show what a special little girl she was. "Our thoughts are also with the young girl still in hospital and the other affected children." "I want to thank everyone in the community who helped that day, both members of the public and emergency services. Your quick actions showed the very best of Southend." Essex Police's update can be seen here: https://www.essex.police.uk/news/essex/news/news/2025/june/southend-serious-incident-in-chalkwell-park/ (fb)