Key Takeaways
- A 9-year-old girl was found dead in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, on Monday evening
- A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody
- The police are carrying out house-to-house inquiries and have put a cordon in place
- The community is in shock and residents have expressed their horror and sadness at the incident
- The police have asked the public not to speculate on the circumstances or identities of those involved
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident has occurred in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, where a 9-year-old girl was found dead on Monday evening. The police were called to Lime Close in the Mead Vale area at 18:09 GMT, where the girl was pronounced dead at the scene. The news of the incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents expressing their horror and sadness at the loss of a young life. The police have arrested a teenage boy on suspicion of murder, who is currently in custody, and are carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.
Police Investigation and Response
The police are taking the incident very seriously and are working to establish the facts surrounding the girl’s death. A post-mortem examination is to be carried out, and house-to-house inquiries are being conducted in the area. The police have also put a cordon in place and have increased their presence in the streets around the crime scene. Superintendent Jen Appleford gave a statement on Tuesday afternoon, expressing her condolences to the girl’s family and asking the public not to speculate on the circumstances or identities of those involved. She emphasized that the police are working to support the family during this difficult time and are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
Community Reaction
The community in Weston-super-Mare is in shock and mourning following the incident. Residents have expressed their horror and sadness at the loss of a young life, with many describing the incident as "utterly dreadful" and "terrible". Local resident Star Barzey said she was walking her dogs when she saw the police at the scene and was horrified by what had happened. Another resident, Glynis Field, who has lived in the area for 49 years, said she had never seen so many police cars and ambulances in the area before. Margaret Jones, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said it was a "horrible thought" that the incident had occurred in their community, and that she may have spoken to the girl or known her.
Police Appeal for Calm and Cooperation
The police have asked the local community to remain patient and calm as they carry out their inquiries. They have assured the public that they are doing everything they can to establish the facts surrounding the girl’s death and to bring those responsible to justice. The police have also stressed that they are not aware of any risk to the wider public, but will maintain an increased presence in the area in the coming days. Superintendent Appleford has asked the public to respect the family’s privacy and not to speculate on the circumstances or identities of those involved, as this could add to their distress.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident in Weston-super-Mare is a tragic reminder of the importance of community and the need for support and cooperation during difficult times. The police are working tirelessly to establish the facts surrounding the girl’s death, and the community is coming together to support the family and each other. As the investigation continues, it is essential that the public remains calm and cooperative, and allows the police to do their job. The police will provide updates on the investigation as more information becomes available, and the community will continue to come together to support each other and to mourn the loss of a young life.
