Three boys injured by tree at cricket club

They were Lewis Gaston, Aidan Oakley and George Roberts.

Two of the boys suffered serious head injuries while another suffered leg injuries when the tree fell on Saturday at Spencer Cricket Club in Earlsfield, south west London.

Aidan has been discharged from hospital while Lewis and George are remaining under close observation, the club said.

Members of the senior team were playing a match against Cheam Cricket Club when the tree fell.

A statement from the club said: “We understand that their condition is improving and we hope that they will continue to improve and make a full recovery.”

“Our thoughts are with them both and their families. At this time, the club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to those people who responded so quickly to this terrible accident and who ensured that the injured boys would have the best chances of recovery.

“The coaches and parents who were at the training session who reacted so quickly to a very serious situation; the players and spectators from Cheam and Spencer cricket clubs who were playing at the ground at the time who were able to lift the tree and free the trapped boys; the doctor who was present at the ground who administered emergency care; and the police and ambulance services who arrived within minutes to take the children to hospital.

“We are extremely grateful to them all. The club would also like to thank all those people from around the world who have sent the boys their best wishes. We have been very moved by the messages of support from the wider cricket community, and are passing them on to the boys and their families.”

The incident happened on Saturday after strong winds buffeted parts of south London.

The uprooted tree remained lying across the cricket pitch last night.