Two children killed in Essex collision called "beloved members" of their school
Two children who died after being hit by a car in Essex have been confirmed by their school, as brother and sister
Last updated 4th Feb 2025
Tributes have been paid to two "beloved" children who were killed in a hit-and-run crash.
Roman Casselden, 16, and his nine-year-old sister Darcie, who police believe were riding a privately-owned e-scooter, died when they were struck by a car which failed to stop in Ashlyns in Pitsea, Essex, at about 6.25pm on Saturday.
A community vigil on Monday evening was attended by hundreds of people, Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council, said in a social media post.
And a fundraising page set up to help with funeral expenses and other needs has raised more than £29,000 since it was created.
Essex Police said two people arrested in connection with the incident have been released, with a woman bailed and a man released under investigation.
Hearts Academy Trust, which runs Briscoe Primary School where the siblings were both pupils, 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.
"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.
"We kindly ask that the family's, school's, and Hearts Academy Trust's wishes and privacy are respected at this time, as we collectively mourn their loss and as we provide support and help for each other and the young people in our care who knew and loved Darcie and Roman."
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."
Essex Police 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."
We contacted Safer Roads Essex Partnership for a statement to which they said: "We want to express our sympathy and condolences to those involved, including friends, families, witnesses and first responders.
"Our broader road safety messages remain unchanged, but it is important for us to avoid anyone mistakenly seeing our broader messaging as forming an opinion on these specific incidents."
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage, or who have any information, to get in contact quoting incident 931 of February 1.