An 11-year-old girl was found dead in a park in Worcestershire, prompting a police investigation. West Mercia Police are treating the death as unexplained and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Miya Deamer-Jones was reported missing at around 11.20pm on Sunday, October 4, before her body was found shortly afterwards at a park near Elmley Castle Cricket Club. The force confirmed her family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.
Police appeal and community shock
Miya, who attended Bredon Hill Academy in the nearby village of Ashton under Hill, had been playing with a friend at home before they went to the cricket field. Chalk marks could be seen on the pavement outside her home, where there is also a trampoline in the front garden.
The 11-year-old failed to return home, and her family searched the village before calling police, who launched their own search before her body was found.
Local residents describe 'frightening' incident
Local resident Laurence O’Shaughnessy said he heard sirens between 11.15pm and 11.30pm, before hearing them again at around midnight. He described Miya's death as "frightening" and believes her body was found near the cricket nets.
A second local said it was a "real shock" as Elmley Castle is "such a close community" where "everybody knows everybody". A third villager described the incident as "tragic" and explained how the village is typically "really quiet".
Tributes and police statement
Tributes have flooded in for the 11-year-old, including a sunflower left on a nearby bench in her memory. A schoolfriend 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 being treated as unexplained, and we are carrying out enquiries to fully understand the circumstances and provide her family with the answers they deserve."
He added: "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."
