Friends of a schoolgirl who died after being hit by a falling tree branch ‘screamed for help’ as they tried to save her life.
The child, who has been named locally as Brooke, was knocked down by the heavy branches in Grove Place near the junction with Carshalton Road, Banstead at around 4pm on Saturday, November 9.
Residents from a nearby traveller estate attempted to shift the tree and perform CPR, but the youngster had ‘already gone’, witnesses said.
Brooke had been walking along the grassy footpath – which connects the popular Lavender Fields Farm with the town of Coulsdon – with her mates when the tragic incident took place.
Before her body could be freed using specialist equipment, it is believed she spent between 90 minutes and two hours stuck underneath the branches.
The child, who has been named locally as Brooke, was knocked down by the heavy branches in Grove Place near the junction with Carshalton Road, Banstead (pictured: the fallen tree branches)
Police continue to keep the footpath closed as officers collect evidence at the scene
One passerby told The Sun: ‘Moments before I saw them walking down the path, and then I heard screams.
‘One of her friends shouted, ‘My friend has been crushed. Please help me’.’
People have since taken to social media to pay tribute to young Brooke, with her cousin describing her as ‘one of a kind’.
They wrote: ‘You don’t deserve this. You had your whole life ahead of you.
‘You were one of a kind and you would never hurt a soul.’
Another post said: ‘This girl had a heart of gold, she didn’t deserve half the stuff she went through.’
While a third added: ‘I love you so much, you will never be forgotten, you will always be my best friend.
‘I can’t believe you’re gone, I will miss you forever. I’m so sorry I didn’t come see you sooner. I love you girl.’
Police continue to keep the footpath closed as officers collect evidence at the scene.
A spokesperson for the Met Police said: ‘Officers are in the process of ensuring that all family members have been informed.
‘The incident is not believed to be suspicious, however enquiries continue to establish the circumstances.
‘A report will be prepared for the coroner in due course.’
Police rushed to the area after the youngster, said locally to be a 12-year-old girl, was fatally injured
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: ‘Earlier today firefighters were mobilised to an incident near Banstead, following reports of a child being trapped by part of a fallen tree.
‘At 4pm, crews from Croydon and Wallington fire stations, and a fire engine from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service’s Banstead Fire Station, were sent to the scene as part of our response.
‘Upon arrival firefighters immediately began to coordinate the rescue operation, working to make the scene safe and carrying out immediate emergency care in support of paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.
‘Sadly, despite the effort of emergency service personnel in attendance, the child was declared dead at the scene.
‘The thoughts of our crews and staff across the entire Brigade are with the child’s family at this difficult time.’
