A full investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the tree collapse at PGL's Marchants Hill activity centre in Hindhead that left seven children in hospital earlier this month.

Waverley Borough Council has confirmed it is leading the investigation as the Health and Safety Enforcing Authority for the site.

The incident happened on Monday, July 13, when a tree fell onto members of a visiting school group. One child suffered a serious leg injury and was airlifted to a London hospital, while six others were taken by ambulance to the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford with less serious injuries.

A spokesperson for PGL said: "The safety and wellbeing of the children, their teachers and our colleagues is, and remains, our number one priority. We are working closely with the school to support those affected."

The company said it was fully cooperating with Waverley Borough Council's investigation and, in line with the council's position, it would not be appropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident or any potential findings while inquiries continue.

A Waverley Borough Council spokesperson said: "We can confirm that, as the Health and Safety Enforcing Authority for this site, the council is undertaking an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident at the PGL activity centre in Marchants Hill.

"Our thoughts remain with the children who were injured, their families and loved ones, and with everyone affected by this distressing incident.

"A full and rigorous investigation is now under way. Our priority is to establish the facts and understand exactly what happened. Given the early stage of the investigation, it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident or on any potential findings.

"Updates will be provided when there is information that can responsibly be shared without prejudicing the investigation."

The council has not indicated how long the investigation is expected to take.