An 11-year-old girl has died after being found in a river at a woodland park in Midlothian. Emergency services discovered her in the Gore Water at Gore Glen Woodland Park, near Gorebridge, following a search operation launched after “reports of concern” for the girl.
Police confirmed the schoolgirl was located at approximately 4.25pm on Thursday and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family have been informed.
Police cordon and tributes
On Friday, police continued to maintain a cordon around paths passing beneath Shank Bridge, with police tape preventing access along the walking route. The bridge carries the A7 road across the Gore Water. A single bouquet of flowers had been placed, tucked into the railings at the roadside.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for an 11-year-old girl in the Gore Glen area, near Gorebridge, around 12.40pm on Thursday August 6. The body of the girl was found in the Gore Water near to Shank Bridge around 4.25pm.”
Investigation ongoing
The spokesperson added: “She was pronounced dead at the scene and her family are aware. Her death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
The Gore Water flows through the park, which is a popular beauty spot offering views of the Pentland Hills to the south of Edinburgh.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 2.33pm on Thursday to attend an incident in Gorebridge and dispatched two ambulances, our special operations team and a critical care paramedic to the scene.”
Community reaction
Colin Beattie, the MSP for Midlothian North, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of a young girl at Gore Glen Woodland Park.” He added: “My thoughts are with her family, friends and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss. This is a deeply distressing incident for the local community, and I know many people will be shocked and saddened by the news.”
Beattie continued: “However, with a Police Scotland investigation ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment on the circumstances surrounding the incident. I would urge people to respect the privacy of the family and their loved ones at this extremely difficult time, and to allow the police the space they need to carry out their inquiries.”
