The 11-year-old girl found dead in a park in Worcestershire after being reported missing has been named as Miya Deamer-Jones. She was reported missing at around 11.20pm on Sunday, October 4, and her body was later discovered in the park near the cricket ground in Elmley Castle, West Mercia Police said.
Her family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers. Detectives are treating her death as unexplained.
Details of the incident
Miya, a pupil at Bredon Hill Academy in the neighbouring village of Ashton under Hill, had been spending time with a friend at home before the pair went to the cricket field, according to reports. Chalk markings were visible on the pavement outside her home, which also has a trampoline in the front garden.
When she failed to return home, her family searched the village themselves before contacting police. Officers then launched their own search, which led to the discovery of her body.
Community reaction
Local resident Laurence O'Shaughnessy recalled hearing sirens between 11.15pm and 11.30pm, followed by further sirens at around midnight. He described Miya's death as 'frightening' and said he believes her body was found near the cricket nets.
A second local resident, a woman with a daughter the same age, said it was a 'real shock'. She told the Press Association: “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.”
Tributes and police appeal
Tributes have been left for the 11-year-old, including a sunflower placed on a nearby bench in her honour. A school friend who left the flowers said: "You have no idea how much I miss you. You will always be a part of me and a part of my heart. I love you so much and it will be hard to cope without you."
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.”
