A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a nine-year-old girl in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police were called by paramedics to a property in Lime Close at approximately 6pm on Monday evening.
The first officer arrived at the scene at 6.12pm, and the teenage suspect was arrested in nearby Worle just seven minutes later, at 6.19pm. He remains in police custody. A cordon remains in place at the property as investigations continue, with house-to-house inquiries being conducted.
Superintendent Jen Appleford described the incident as “utterly dreadful news” and expressed condolences to the girl’s family, who are being supported by a specially trained officer. She added that a post-mortem examination will be carried out and that formal identification has yet to take place.
Appleford reassured the public there is no increased risk to safety, saying: “We are not aware of there being any increased risk to public safety.” An increased police presence will be in the area in the coming days to provide reassurance.
Local resident Glynis Field, who has lived in the area for 49 years, described the heavy emergency response. “I’ve never seen so many police cars in all my life, and ambulances, armed police,” she said. “It’s awful, terrible, absolutely terrible.”
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell expressed shock and sadness, urging the community to come together to support each other during this difficult time.
