A teenage boy and his nine-year-old sister, both killed while riding an e-scooter, were laid to rest this weekend, with mourners lining the streets to pay tribute to them. 

Siblings Roman, 16, and Darcie Casselden, nine, were killed in a hit-and-run incident in the town of Pitsea, Essex, on February 1 after a car hit their e-scooter.

Both were tragically pronounced dead at the scene, despite the efforts of emergency services, after both children suffered a ‘traumatic head injury’. 

Two horse-drawn carriages led the procession to Pitsea Cemetery on Saturday for a private service for the much-loved siblings from the family’s home, near Basildon.

The streets were lined with countless signs and balloons bearing tributes to them – including messages left by young people Roman helped while working at a local football charity and shining pink balloons displaying messages of love to Darcie.

Their mother Emma called her two children her ‘beautiful angels’ in a previous statement, saying: ‘Roman had a heart of gold, dedicating his time to working with children in the community.’ 

She added: ‘Darcie was a soul filled with creativity and beauty, with a passion for art that reflected the depth of her spirit.’ 

A man and woman, both in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. The woman was released on bail and the man was released under investigation.

Two horse-drawn carriages (pictured) led the procession to Pitsea Cemetery on Saturday for a private service for the much-loved siblings from the family’s home, near Basildon 

The streets were lined with countless signs and balloons bearing tributes to them (pictured) – including messages left by young people Roman helped while working at a local football charity and shining pink balloons displaying messages of love to Darcie 

Their mother Emma said in a previous statement: ‘Roman [pictured] had a heart of gold, dedicating his time to working with children in the community’ 

She added: ‘Darcie [pictured] was a soul filled with creativity and beauty, with a passion for art that reflected the depth of her spirit’

At an inquest on February 19, Essex area coroner Michelle Brown gave the cause of death for each child as ‘traumatic head injury’ – but she said this was ‘provisional’, ‘pending further investigation’ by Essex Police. 

She added, at the hearing at Essex Coroner’s Court in Chelmsford: ‘Police have advised that the driver of the vehicle was subsequently arrested for various offences.’  

The coroner said the police requested the inquest was suspended ‘pending police investigation and possible prosecution’. 

In line with that, she said she would suspend the inquest for four months, at which point this position would be reviewed. 

She addressed the family directly to say: ‘I would just like to extend my personal sympathy.’ 

The coroner added: ‘They were very, very young and these were tragic circumstances.’ 

A fundraiser set up for Roman and Darcie’s parents Alec and Emma raised more than £30,000 to pay for funeral expenses and their other needs. 

Emma called the children – who have two other siblings – her ‘beautiful angels’ in a previous statement, saying: ‘Though they are no longer here in person, their love, kindness, and spirit live on in the hearts of all who knew them.

Flowers, toys and clothes (pictured) were left in tribute to the young children, who were laid to the rest this weekend 

Their mother Emma called her two children her ‘beautiful angels’ in a previous statement (pictured, their funeral procession on Saturday)

Blue and pink balloons bore the names of Roman and Darcie respectively during their funeral procession this weekend 

At an inquest on February 19, Essex area coroner Michelle Brown gave the provisional cause of death for each child as ‘traumatic head injury’

‘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.’ 

Of her son, who worked with Southend-based sports charity Achievement Through Football (ATF), she said: ‘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.’ 

ATF works with schools, councils, the probation service, sports groups and housing associations, to provide football coaching to five-to-24-year-olds. 

Speaking about Darcie, the mother added: ‘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.’  

Essex Police’s Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said in a previous statement: ‘The whole community is mourning for the loss of Roman and Darcie.’ 

The officer added: ‘My thoughts, and those of everyone at Essex Police, are with them at this incredibly difficult time.

Roman and Darcie’s mother Emma said in a previous statement: ‘Though they are no longer here in person, their love, kindness, and spirit live on in the hearts of all who knew them’ (pictured, floral tributes left at the scene of the collision early last month) 

‘This has been a hugely emotive incident, the impact of which has been felt by everyone in the community, including my own officers.’

Fundraising organisers and family friends Joshua and Jude Moore said in the description of the online fundraiser: ‘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.’