A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of a nine-year-old girl in south-west England.
Emergency services were called to an address in Lime Close, in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, at around 6pm on Monday.
Teenage boy arrested after death of nine-year-old girl
The girl was pronounced dead at the scene and her family have been informed.
A teenage boy was arrested in Worle, which neighbours Mead Vale, at 6.19pm on Monday. He remains in custody.
Avon and Somerset Police Superintendent Jennifer Appleford said: “We know the whole of Weston-super-Mare will be distraught and shocked to learn of this utterly dreadful news.
“The girl’s family were informed last night of what had happened. It is impossible for us to adequately put into words the pain and anguish they are feeling right now.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to them, and we’ll ensure they receive support from a specially trained officer.
“A criminal investigation is already well under way to establish the facts of this case. The formal identification process has not yet been completed, and a post-mortem examination will also be conducted.
“Out of respect for the family, we’d please ask people not to speculate on the circumstances, or the identities of those involved, because that will only add to their enormous distress.”
A police cordon remained in place in Lime Close yesterday while an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police continues. This includes house-to-house inquiries.
Supt Appleford added: “We have no doubt the community will come together as one in response to this tragedy.
“Inquiries are being carried out at the property as part of our investigation and we’d ask for people’s patience and understanding while that work is undertaken.
“We will ensure our officers are available to provide reassurance and support to all.
“There will be an increased police presence in the area in the coming days, and we urge anyone with concerns to please speak to us. However, we’d like to reassure people we are not aware of there being any increased risk to public safety.
“We will continue to provide updates to the public as our investigation progresses.”
Glynis Field, who lives locally, said: “All I heard was the sirens, police sirens; the amount of the police at the back.
“I’ve never seen so many police cars in all my life, and ambulances. Armed police.
“Forty-nine years we’ve lived here, and to think that’s right on our doorstep… It’s awful. Terrible. Absolutely terrible.”
A young girl who was visibly emotional laid a bouquet of flowers at the scene with a note that read: “Thank you for playing with me. Lots of love to you, your sister and mum.”
Margaret Jones, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said: “The chances are that I would have seen her playing out, because a lot of the children round here play out here.
“It’s a horrible thought. It saddens me. I find it sad that I may have spoken to her and known her.”
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