An 11-year-old girl reported missing from a Worcestershire village has been found dead in a park near a cricket ground. West Mercia Police have confirmed they have ruled out third-party involvement following detailed enquiries.
Miya Deamer-Jones was reported missing at around 11.20pm on Sunday, October 4. Her body was found shortly after in a park near a cricket ground in Elmley Castle, a village in Worcestershire.
Police rule out suspicious circumstances
West Mercia Police said that after "detailed and extensive enquiries" officers have "ruled out third-party involvement". The circumstances surrounding Miya's death will now be examined by a coroner during an inquest.
Chief Inspector Daniel Pilkington said: "At the heart of this tragedy is a family who have lost a daughter and sister. Our thoughts remain with them, her friends and everyone who knew and loved her as they face an unimaginable loss."
"We know news like this is deeply upsetting. It has shocked the local community and touched the hearts of people far beyond it. We understand that naturally people want answers when something so tragic happens, and that uncertainty can be difficult."
Community shock and tributes
Ch Insp Pilkington added: "Our officers have worked tirelessly and thoroughly to establish the circumstances surrounding her death. We have kept an open mind and examined all available lines of enquiry."
"Following these detailed and extensive enquiries, we can confirm that we have found no evidence of suspicious circumstances or any third-party involvement in her death, and it is not being treated as a criminal investigation. A full file will now be prepared for HM Coroner, who will consider the circumstances of her death in due course, as is the standard process."
Ch Insp Pilkington also called for people not to speculate on how Miya died, saying "sharing unverified information can cause additional distress to a family already living through every parent's worst nightmare".
Fundraiser for the family
A fundraiser was launched by one of Miya's mother's childhood friends to support the family. The page reads: "Our hearts are completely broken for my dear friend Katie, who has suffered every parent's worst nightmare."
"Her beautiful little girl, Miya Deamer-Jones, just 11 years old, has tragically been taken from her. Miya was the youngest of four sisters, a precious little girl who was deeply loved by her mum and her three sisters."
"Her place in their family can never be filled, and the pain of losing their baby sister is something they will carry with them forever. Miya was found in an open space in Elmley Castle, and the devastating reality that this precious little girl will never come home to her mum is something no family should ever have to face."
The page has already raised almost £4,400 of its £6,000 target, with the funds to be used "to give Miya the beautiful farewell she deserves and to provide her with a lasting gravestone". The message continued: "If you know Katie, you will know just how much Miya meant to her."
"She was her precious youngest daughter, her baby girl, and no amount of money could ever begin to ease the pain of losing her. But your kindness could take away some of the financial pressure Katie is facing at the most devastating time of her life."
The page concluded: "Fly high, beautiful Miya. You were loved, you are loved, and you will never be forgotten."
