A community is in mourning after a tragic accident claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services were called shortly after 4:00 p.m. on 9 November to Grove Place, near the junction with Carshalton Road, where the young girl was struck by a large tree branch.
Police officers, along with the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service, attended the scene and provided immediate assistance. Despite their efforts, the girl succumbed to her injuries. Authorities have confirmed that they are working to ensure all family members are informed.
The incident is currently being treated as a tragic accident, and police have stated there is no suspicion of foul play. However, an investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the falling branch. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
As news of the tragedy spread, the community of Banstead expressed their sorrow and disbelief at the sudden loss. Family members and friends described the young girl as “bright and full of life,” a sentiment echoed by neighbours who had seen her frequently in the area.
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One witness described the scene as heartbreaking, sharing that the girl had been walking along the footpath with friends when the branch unexpectedly fell. Passersby attempted to help, but despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save her life.
Residents have expressed sympathy and support for the grieving family, who are facing an unimaginable loss and who have asked to be given space to deal with the horrific outcome.
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.’
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said:
“We were called at 3.51pm on Saturday 9 November to reports of an incident in Grove Place, Little Woodcote.
“We sent a number of resources to the scene including ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic, an incident response officer and London’s air ambulance.
“We treated a child at the scene before taking them to hospital.”
Emergency services were called shortly after 1600hrs on Saturday, 9 November, to a child struck by a falling tree branch in Grove Place near the junction with Carshalton Road, Banstead.
Officers attended along with London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.
Sadly, the child died from their injuries. 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.
