A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a nine-year-old girl was pronounced dead at a property in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. Emergency services responded to an address in Lime Close in the Mead Vale area around 6pm on Monday evening, where the girl was declared dead at the scene. The boy was arrested in the nearby village of Worle at 6:19pm and remains in custody.
Avon and Somerset Police have launched a criminal investigation to establish the facts of the case. A police cordon is in place at the property, with officers conducting house-to-house inquiries in the area. The formal identification process has not yet been completed, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted.
Investigation and family support
The girl's family was informed of her death on Monday night and is receiving support from specially trained officers. Police have increased their presence in the area and will maintain it in the coming days to provide reassurance to residents.
Superintendent Jen Appleford said: «We know the whole of Weston-super-Mare will be distraught and shocked to learn of this utterly dreadful news. The girl's family were informed last night of what had happened. It is impossible for us to adequately put into words the pain and anguish they are feeling right now.»
Appeal for restraint
Appleford appealed to the public not to speculate about the circumstances or identities of those involved. She said: «Out of respect for the family we'd please ask people not to speculate on the circumstances, or the identities of those involved, because that will only add to their enormous distress.»
Police have reassured the community that they are not aware of any increased risk to public safety. The force said it will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses and urged anyone with concerns to speak to officers in the area.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
