A nine-year-old girl was found dead at an address in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset earlier this week and now a teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder
A murder probe has been launched following the tragic death of a nine-year-old girl in Weston-super-Mare. A teenage boy was taken into custody on suspicion of murder after the young girl was discovered lifeless at a property in Lime Close.
Emergency services were called to the grim scene at 6.09pm on Monday, December 15. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that the girl was declared dead at the location.
A teenage boy was arrested on suspicion of murder in Worle at 6.19pm, reports Somerset Live. The force stated that he remains in custody today (Tuesday, December 16).
Superintendent Jen 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 underway 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 continues to be in place at the property while officers conduct their investigations.
Supt Appleford added: “We have no doubt the community will come together as one in response to this tragedy.
“Enquiries 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.”
Anyone with information that may assist police enquiries is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5225352036.