Two teenagers arrested after girl critically injured in loading vehicle incident

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after a teenage girl was left in a critical condition following an incident involving a loading vehicle.

Police were called to reports of an incident involving a "small articulated loading vehicle" in the Chalkwell Park area of Southend, Essex, at around 12.30am on Saturday.

Officers said the girl had suffered "significant injuries" and was in critical condition in hospital.

The force added that a man, 18, from Westcliff, and a boy, 17, from Leigh-on-Sea, were arrested. They remain in custody on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving

A spokesman said: "A group was reported to have taken unauthorised control of a small articulated loading vehicle.

"The girl is believed to have been involved in an incident with the vehicle and sustained significant injuries.

"Officers and ambulance crews attended promptly, and a cordon remains in place."

Essex Police said the girl's family has been informed and are being supported by officers.

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Appealing for witnesses and any videos of the incident, the spokesman added: "We know there were a large number of young people in the area at the time, and we believe some may have witnessed what happened.

"We urgently need to hear from anyone with information or footage."

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