An 11-year-old schoolgirl who was reported missing late on Sunday has been found dead in a village park in Worcestershire, with police treating her death as unexplained.
The girl was discovered in the park near the cricket ground in Elmley Castle, less than 24 hours after she was reported missing.
West Mercia Police said officers were called to the area after the child was reported missing at around 11.20pm on Sunday, October 4.
Her body was later found near Elmley Castle Cricket Ground.
Police launch investigation
The circumstances surrounding the girl’s death remain unclear, and officers have launched an investigation to establish what happened.
West Mercia Police confirmed that the death is currently being treated as unexplained. There has been no indication from police that a particular cause or manner of death has been established.
A force spokesperson said: “An investigation has been launched after the body of an 11-year-old girl was found in Elmley Castle, Worcestershire.”
The spokesperson added that the girl had been reported missing at around 11.20pm on Sunday evening and was subsequently found deceased in the park close to the cricket ground.
Family supported by specially trained officers
The girl’s family have been informed of her death and are being supported by specially trained officers, police said.
Officers are continuing to make enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Police activity is expected to continue in Elmley Castle as investigators work at the scene and speak to people who may have information relevant to the case.
The force has urged anyone who knows anything that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Police appeal for information
The discovery has prompted an increased police presence around the village, with officers carrying out enquiries in and around the park and cricket ground.
At this stage, police have not released further details about the girl or explained how she died.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen anything unusual in Elmley Castle around the time she disappeared, or who may have information about the circumstances leading to her death, to contact police.
Anyone with information can contact the investigation team on 478-751-7500 or Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have stressed that the circumstances of the girl’s death are currently being treated as unexplained.