Canvey playground destroyed as woman is arrested

Officers were called to reports of a crash on Canvey on Wednesday, July 12 at around 5am.

After arriving at the scene, a car was seen smashed up with fences destroyed at the Leigh Beck Park. 

One mother was on her way to taking her son to the park at around 8.30am when she arrived at the scene and saw the mess.

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She saw the car being recovered, police, and the damage caused at the Leigh Beck Park, leaving her son devastated as he was unable to then use the park.

The mother said: “We go to the park every morning before school.

“As we pulled up yesterday, we noticed the police car with a recovery vehicle, as well as a damaged car.

“We got out to walk towards the park and then noticed all the damaged caused by the vehicle to the park.

Destroyed - Fences smashed up in Leigh Beck Park

“My son was devastated as he was unable to go and play.

“It is devastating that children can not now use this park until repairs...

“Even though it happened at 5am people still walk dogs at that hour due to the heat, someone could have been seriously injured, you would need some speed to go through the fences like that.

“God forbid if it was at a later time and a child was playing in the park or on the field, you would hate to think what could’ve happened.”

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Police have since confirmed a 39-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving offences.

There enquires are also ongoing.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Officers were called to Leigh Beck Park in Canvey at around 5am this morning (July 12) following reports of a single vehicle collision.

“A 39-year-old woman from Canvey Island was arrested on suspicion of drink driving offences.

“Enquiries remain ongoing."

The Council has been contacted in regards to whether the park will be closed while repairs take place.