Death of girl, 11, ‘unexplained’ after body found in park

The body of an 11-year-old girl has been found in a park in Worcestershire, with police treating the death as unexplained.

The girl was reported missing at around 11.20pm on Sunday, and was later found dead in the park near the cricket ground in Elmley Castle, West Mercia Police said.

Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, the force added.

Police say they are carrying out inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death, which is being treated as unexplained – and there will be an “increased police presence” in the area while they carry out their investigation.

Flowers left on a bench near the police cordon (Zoe Head-Thomas/PA)

PA Wire

A small area of woodland near cricket practice nets remained cordoned off on Monday, with two uniformed officers monitoring the area, adjoining fields on the edge of the village.

One male passerby, who asked not to be named, said: “My neighbour told me what the police have said and it’s terrible, tragic news.

“It’s a terrible shock and you feel for the family.”

A woman who lives in the area and has a daughter the same age said it was a “real shock”.

Speaking to the Press Association, she said: “It is such a close community, everybody knows everybody here. It is generally safe, so it’s just a real shock.

“We all feel like (children) are fine here and safe. There’s always children playing here. You just wouldn’t expect it at all.

“I just can’t believe it. I will be fine, I have a lot of support around me… we will all be there for each other, I’m sure.”

A police cordon around woodland close to the cricket club in Elmley Castle (Zoe Head-Thomas/PA)

PA Wire

Chief Inspector Daniel Pilkington said: “We know the death of a young girl will be deeply upsetting for the local community, and our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this time.

“Her death is currently being treated as unexplained, and we are carrying out enquiries to fully understand the circumstances and provide her family with the answers they deserve.

“We would also ask people not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding her death. This is an incredibly difficult time for her family, and I would urge everyone to be mindful of the impact that speculation could have on them.

“People may notice an increased police presence in Elmley Castle while these enquiries continue. I want to reassure residents that this is part of our work to establish exactly what has happened, and officers will also be available to speak to anyone in the community who has concerns.”