Nyla May Bradshaw: Woman arrested over death of autistic girl, 7, found in golf course pond

Police officers arrested a woman after a seven-year-old autistic girl was found dead in a golf course pond.

Nyla May Bradshaw was found unresponsive in a pond at Owston Golf Course, north of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, on March 30.

A woman in her 30s was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence, manslaughter and child neglect, South Yorkshire Police said on Friday.

He was released on bail pending further investigation, police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Magnay said that although initial investigations showed the circumstances surrounding Nyla’s death were not suspicious, police were “advancing their investigation into the events leading up to the incident”.

An inquest opened earlier this month heard Nyla was a “seven-year-old non-verbal girl diagnosed with autism”.

Coroner Jane McDonnell said Nyla was looked after by a childminder and “was taken to a park in the Owston area of ​​Doncaster during the day”.

He said: “During the trip he went through a gap in the fence and approached woodland near Owston Golf Course.”

Ms McDonnell said the search began after the babysitter alerted police and Nyla’s family.

The police officer told Doncaster’s senior coroner Nicola Mundy that the girl was found unresponsive and face down in a pond on the golf course.

The court heard Nyla was taken to hospital but could not be revived.

Mr Magnay said: “The heartbreaking loss of Nyla May has had a huge emotional impact not only on her family, friends and loved ones, but also on the wider community.

“Nyla May’s family continues to be at the forefront of our thoughts as our work progresses and we will continue to support them during this terrible time.

“Since this tragedy our officers have been working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding Nyla’s death.

“While initial investigations indicated the circumstances were not suspicious, ongoing investigations ultimately led us to make this arrest and further our investigation into the events leading up to the incident.

“The proceedings in this case are currently active, which means that nothing should be published by anyone, including the public, that could threaten the integrity of any future court proceedings.

“I therefore urge the public not to speculate about the incident, including on social media, and to respect the privacy of everyone affected.”