Southend tree victim Leonna Ruka was killed by falling branch

A seven-year-old girl was killed when a falling branch struck her as she played in a park, a court heard.

Leonna Ruka, from Dagenham in east London, suffered a fatal head injury while on a day trip to Southend-on-Sea, Essex, with family on 28 June.

Four other children were injured including Leonna’s six-year-old cousin, who remains critically ill in hospital.

Opening an inquest into Leonna’s death, senior coroner Lincoln Brookes said it “can only be described as a truly tragic incident”.

“My deepest condolences go to the family and loved ones of Leonna,” he added.

“I think that’s on behalf of all of Essex and, I’m sure, far beyond as well.”

Leonna was playing in Chalkwell Park when she was struck by a “falling part of a tree”, the court was told.

She was taken to Southend Hospital where her death was confirmed at 16:06 BST, having sustained a severe head injury.

Hundreds of floral tributes and teddy bears have been laid in the park since the incident.

Up to 50 people tried to lift the 350-year-old tree when it trapped five children underneath it.

A senior councillor went on to claim it had been propped up by supports for decades.

The inquest was suspended so Essex Police and the Health and Safety Executive could continue investigating.

“Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones,” Mr Brookes added.

Leonna’s family previously released a tribute, describing her as “funny, kind and full of life”.

“She was perfect – too perfect for a world that can be so cruel and unfair,” they added.