Roman and Darcie Casselden: Brother and sister believed to be riding e-scooter killed in hit and run

Two siblings killed in a suspected hit and run crash in Essex were believed to be riding an electric scooter when the tragedy happened.

Roman Casselden, 16, and his sister Darcie, nine, died on Saturday after they were hit by a car which failed to stop in Pitsea, Basildon.

Local residents claimed the 30mph road where the siblings were hit at around 6.30pm is a known accident blackspot.

They told how members of the public battled to save the pair as they waited for paramedics to arrive at the scene.

Essex Police said a man and a woman, aged in their 20s, were arrested a short time later on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop.

They remained in custody last night. The accident happened just days after Basildon Council had voted to ban an e-scooter hire trial amid claims that scooters were causing ‘havoc’ across the town.

Yesterday, dozens of floral tributes as well as cuddly toys were left at the spot next to the junction where the siblings died.

The pair’s mother, Emma Keeling, who lived nearby with them, was seen visiting the scene of the crash with her partner.

One message said: “To Roman and Darcie, I can’t believe you are both gone… You were both taken too soon.

“You will never be forgotten.”

Last night, an online GoFundMe appeal set up by a friend to help pay funeral expenses for the youngsters had already raised more than £11,000 (AUD $22,077) of its £20,000 (AUD $40,141) target.

A message with the appeal said: “Tragedy has struck our community, leaving two young lives lost far too soon. We are heartbroken for the families and loved ones of these precious children.

“In this devastating time, we want to come together to support the families with funeral expenses and other needs. ‘Any donation, big or small, will help ease their burden.”

In a Facebook post highlighting the appeal, a family friend wrote: “Tragically, on Saturday, my good friend’s son & daughter, who were called Roman and Darcie, lost their lives while out on their scooter. It has shook (sic) us all to the core.”

Detective Sergeant Sam Nason, who is leading the investigation for Essex Police, said: “Specialist officers are supporting the loved ones of the two children who sadly died yesterday.

“My team is working tirelessly to give them the answers they need about what happened.”

The siblings died less than 14 hours after four university students were killed when their car ploughed into a building in Colchester, just 37 miles across the county.

Makyle Bayley, 22, Eva Darold- Tchikaya, 21, Anthony Hibbert, 24 and Daljang Wol, 22 – all students at the University of Essex – died at the scene, police said.

Professor Maria Fasli, acting vice-chancellor at the University of Essex, said they were “in mourning” for the four students.

She said they all “played an active role in our community.”

Essex Police appealed for anyone who saw a black Ford Focus being driven along Magdalen Street or in the near vicinity at the time of the crash to come forward.