Hundreds attend candlelit vigil for crash siblings

Hundreds of people have come together for a candlelit vigil to remember two young siblings who died in a road crash.

Nine-year-old Darcie Casselden and her brother Roman, 16, died at the scene after a collision in Ashlyns, Pitsea in Essex, at 18:25 GMT on Saturday.

Essex Police say they believe the siblings were riding an e-scooter and a car involved did not stop. The force has appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage.

The leader of Basildon Council, Gavin Callaghan, said the vigil on Monday had been "a moving evening.. to celebrate the life of Roman and Darcie."

A man and a woman, both in their 20s, were later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

Essex Police said the two people had been released, with a woman bailed and a man released under investigation.

A fundraising page set up to help the children's family has raised more than £29,000.

Hearts Academy Trust, which runs Briscoe Primary School where the siblings were both pupils, also paid tribute to them.

A statement from chief executive Don Wry said: "We are deeply saddened regarding the news of the sudden death of one of our pupils, Darcie, and her brother Roman (who also attended our school up to the 24th July 2019).

"During this time of immeasurable loss, our thoughts and sympathies are with Darcie and Roman's family, friends and to all those who knew them both."

One card left by a member of staff at a local school read: "I'm so sorry that you have both been taken away, far too young.

"My thoughts and prayers are with everyone that had the joy to know you both, especially your family."

Another read: "You were both taken too soon. You will never be forgotten."

The charity Achievement Through Football also paid tribute to the children.

It said in a post on Facebook: "We're all devastated by the deeply felt loss of such a loved and valued team member and friend Roman, and his precious sister Darcie.

"With his warmth, gentleness and ever-willing nature, Roman massively blossomed with us over the past year, which has been a delight to witness. We will deeply miss him.

"We are so privileged to be part of such a special community where we can help to carry each other through such hard times."

Labour councillor for Pitsea North West, Emma Callaghan, said: "Following the tragic fatal collision on Saturday night, we've launched a petition calling on Essex County Council (ECC) to take urgent road safety measures in Ashlyns.

"This follows the letter sent to ECC yesterday, demanding action and a clear plan within 28 days."

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