Brother and sister killed in hit-and-run believed to have been riding e-scooter

A teenage boy and his nine-year-old sister were riding an e-scooter when they were killed in a hit-and-run crash in Essex, police said.

Roman, 16, and Darcie Casselden were struck by a car in Ashlyns, Pitsea, at around 6.25pm on Saturday and the vehicle failed to stop at the scene.

The children died despite the efforts of emergency services to help them, Essex Police said.

Their mum has paid tribute to them in a statement and officers have now revealed they believe the children were riding a privately-owned e-scooter when they were struck.

'Our beautiful angels'

Mum Emma said Roman had a "heart of gold" and his "warmth and generosity touched so many lives".

She added: "His legacy is one of selflessness, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people."

She said Darcie was a "soul filled with creativity and beauty" and was a "wonderful individual who brought joy and inspiration to those lucky enough to know her".

The tribute went on: "Though they are no longer here in person, their love, kindness, and spirit live on in the hearts of all who knew them. Their impact will never fade, and their memory will forever be cherished.

"Rest in peace, our beautiful angels, Roman and Darcie.

"You were loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

"From everyone including your siblings Madison and Harrison."

Two arrested

A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

The woman has been bailed while the man has been released under investigation.

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Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said: "This has been a hugely emotive incident and I know the family, and wider community, want to know what happened.

"We are making good progress in our investigation which is focusing on a number of factors.

"I know there has been a lot of commentary online about the incident but I would ask that people please do not speculate.

"We will investigate and we will get the answers."

'Their loss will be felt by many'

The school which Darcie attended, and where Roman was a former pupil, paid tribute to the children this morning.

Briscoe Primary School in Basildon, Essex, said in a statement: "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.

"Darcie and Roman were both beloved children and members of our school community. We know their loss will be felt by many and we will continue to support friends, family and the wider staff and locality."

A GoFundMe page set up to raise money for funeral costs and to support the children's family during their ordeal had raised nearly £30,000 as of 9am on Tuesday.

It comes after around 20 members of the local community, including children, gathered together on Sunday and left tributes, including flowers, at the junction between Ashlyns and Walthams.

A card that appears to have been left by a teacher - alongside a bunch of flowers - paid tribute to Roman. It described him as "such a good kid" and a "joy to teach in PE".

Another card, left by a member of staff at a 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."

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage to contact them.

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