‘Incredibly sad’: Man dies after discharging himself from Southend …
'Incredibly sad': Man dies after discharging himself from Southend Hospital (Image: Provided)
A MAN who discharged himself from Southend[1] Hospital died during an incident that saw emergency services shut off the main road outside Chalkwell Park.
Two air ambulances, police and paramedics shut off London Road, Westcliff, close to Southbourne Grove, on Monday afternoon after concerns were raised for a man’s welfare.
Essex Police and the East of England Ambulance Service have now confirmed that despite the best efforts of all emergency services involved, the man died.
At the time, there were reports on social media of a stabbing or a serious crash, however this has been dismissed by Essex Police.
It has also been confirmed to the Echo, that the man had discharged himself from Southend Hospital before the incident.
Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend Labour, said: “It is incredibly sad to hear.
“We were hoping for better news.
“My heart just goes out to his family and loved ones.
“I can’t praise the emergency services enough for their swift response, and it is just incredibly sad that on this occasion the gentleman has not managed to pull through.”
As the serious incident unfolded, Essex County Council’s traffic control confirmed the A13 London Road was closed in both directions at Southbourne Grove, Westcliff.
Arriva Herts and Essex had to divert one of its bus routes via Chalkwell Avenue and Kings Road, Westcliff, along Leigh Broadway.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called shortly after 1.40pm on Monday, October 30 to reports of concern for the welfare of a man at Chalkwell Park, London Road.
“Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the man died at the scene.
“His death is being treated as unexpected, it has been investigated and identified as non-suspicious.
“A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service added: “Two ambulances and two Essex and Herts air ambulances attended London Road, Westcliff, yesterday afternoon, following calls concerned for the welfare of a man.”