Overview
- A teenage girl was taken to hospital in a critical condition after an incident in Chalkwell Park in the early hours of Saturday that involved a small articulated loading vehicle.
- Essex Police arrested an 18-year-old man from Westcliff and a 17-year-old boy from Leigh-on-Sea on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving; both remain in custody.
- Officers say a group was reported to have taken unauthorised control of the vehicle and that the girl was injured in an incident involving it; some media have called the machine a 'stolen digger' but that description has not been confirmed by police.
- A police cordon remains in place as investigators gather evidence and Essex Police have appealed urgently for witnesses and any video footage, asking people to contact 101 or use the force’s online reporting service.
- The investigation is at an early stage, officers are supporting the victim’s family, and further action such as formal charges will depend on witness accounts, footage and forensic inquiries.