A brother and sister who were killed in a horror hit and run crash while they were on an e-scooter both died of traumatic head injuries, an inquest heard.

Roman Casselden, 16, and his sister Darcie Casselden, 9, were riding together on the e-scooter before their deaths, Essex Coroner’s Court was told. Emergency services attended and paramedics desperately tried to revive the pair at the scene of the crash on February 1 in Ashlyns, Pitsea near Basildon, Essex.

Separate inquests into the deaths of Roman and Darcie, who were from Pitsea and were described as “beautiful angels” by their mother, were opened and adjourned today. Essex area coroner Michelle Brown said the e-scooter was “involved in a collision with a motor vehicle which was travelling east along Ashlyns”. Darcie was declared dead at 7.10pm while Roman, who was an apprentice football coach, was pronounced dead at 7.50pm.

Essex Police previously said the pair were on a privately-owned e-scooter when the collision happened at around 6.25pm. The bodies of both the children were identified by their heartbroken mother Emma Keeling, the inquest heard.

Ms Brown added: “Police have advised that the driver of the vehicle was subsequently arrested for various offences.” She said that post-mortems were conducted on February 6 and gave the provisional causes of death for each of them as “traumatic head injury pending further investigation”.

Ms Brown stated at each hearing: “Essex Police have requested the suspension of the inquest, pending a police investigation and potential prosecution.” She said she was adjourning both inquests for a review in four months’ time, although she suspected it might take longer for the hearings to conclude.

Ms Brown went on: “I would just like to extend my personal sympathies to the family. They were very, very young and these were tragic circumstances.” Members of the public are said to have battled to save Roman and Darcie after the crash on the 30mph limit road.

A woman who was arrested in connection with the incident was later released on police bail, while a man who was arrested was released under investigation. Ms Keeling paid tribute to her children in a statement released through Essex Police, saying: “Roman had a heart of gold, dedicating his time to working with children in the community.

“His warmth and generosity touched so many lives, bringing smiles, hope, and encouragement to those who needed it most. His legacy is one of selflessness, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people.

“Darcie was a soul filled with creativity and beauty, with a passion for art that reflected the depth of her spirit. Through her talent, she painted the world with colour and emotion, leaving behind a piece of herself in every stroke. She was a wonderful individual who brought joy and inspiration to those lucky enough to know her.

“Though they are no longer here in person, their love, kindness, and spirit live on in the hearts of all who knew them. Their impact will never fade, and their memory will forever be cherished.

“Rest in peace, our beautiful angels, Roman and Darcie. You were loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. From everyone including your siblings Madison and Harrison.”

The incident happened just days after Basildon Council voted to ban an e-scooter hire trial amid claims that scooters were causing ‘havoc’ and being left scattered across the town. Dozens of floral tributes, as well as cuddly toys, were left at the spot next to a junction where Roman and Darcie died.

The children’s father, who is no longer in a relationship with their mother, took to social media to share his devastation, writing: “I love you so much”. Chief Supt Leighton Hammett, of Essex Police, added in a statement: “The whole community is mourning for the loss of Roman and Darcie and we have specialist officers supporting their family.

“My thoughts, and those of everyone at Essex Police, are with them at this incredibly difficult time. This has been a hugely emotive incident, the impact of which has been felt by everyone in the community, including my own officers.

“There is a huge amount of rumour and conjecture online about what happened… I know there is a huge amount of interest but this is not helpful to the family of Darcie and Roman. I would ask people not to speculate about what happened. We will investigate and we will find the answers they so desperately need.”

A community vigil two days after the crash was attended by hundreds of people, the leader of Basildon Council, Gavin Callaghan, said in a social media post. A fundraising page set up in memory of Roman and Darcie to help with funeral expenses and other needs has so raised nearly £31,000 since it was created.

Hearts Academy Trust, which runs Briscoe Primary School, also paid tribute to the children. 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.”

The charity Achievement Through Football – where Roman worked – also paid tribute to the youngsters. 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.”

Get email updates with the day’s biggest stories