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 released this 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.
“We recognise the significant impact of Saturday’s tragic incident on those who rushed to help at the scene and showed the very best of Southend.
“The quick actions and efforts of those involved made a real difference in an unimaginably difficult moment. We also recognise that the incident has had a much wider-reaching affect on the community and that some people will be struggling to come to terms with it.”
Available community support
We recognise the significant impact of Saturday’s tragic incident on those who rushed to help at the scene and showed the very best of Southend.
Information about available support can be found on our website.