West Mercia Police have confirmed they are not trying to identify a third party following the death of an 11-year-old girl whose body was found in a park near Elmley Castle Cricket Club in Worcestershire.
The girl was reported missing by her family at around 11.20pm on Sunday in Elmley Castle. Her body was recovered from the park near the cricket club ground on Monday, police said. Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Police urge public not to speculate
Investigators have called on the public not to speculate as they continue to probe the "unexplained" death. A spokesperson for the force said: "We're aware of speculation surrounding this incident and the community impact it is having and we can confirm at this time we are not trying to identify any third party involved and further details will be released when we are able to."
Chief Inspector Daniel Pilkington said: "Our thoughts remain with the girl's family and friends at what is an incredibly sad and difficult time for them.
"We understand the death of a young girl will have caused considerable sadness and concern within Elmley Castle and the wider community. Officers are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and, while we keep an open mind as those enquiries progress, there is nothing at this stage to suggest there is any wider risk to the community.
"People may continue to see officers in Elmley Castle while this work takes place, and I hope their presence provides some reassurance to residents."
Community in shock
A source cited by the Daily Mail said the girl "really missed" her dad, who died at the family home in 2023. They said: "I know she really missed him a lot. He died at the family home."
Police have said there will be an "increased police presence" in the area while they carry out their investigation. A small area of woodland near cricket practice nets remained cordoned off on Monday.
Two uniformed officers were seen monitoring the area, adjoining fields on the edge of the village. One male passerby, who asked not to be named, said: "My neighbour told me what the police have said and it's terrible, tragic news. It's a terrible shock and you feel for the family."
A woman who lives in the area and has a daughter the same age said it was a "real shock". She said: "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 left at scene
Flowers have been piling up at the scene where she was found dead, many with tributes attached. Among them was one note from a schoolfriend, which read: "You have no idea how much I miss you. You will always be apart (sic) of me and apart (sic) of my heart."
The note added: "I love you so much and it will be hard to cope with out (sic) you."
