Teenage boy arrested in Worle on suspicion of murdering girl, 9
Sarah TurnnidgeWest of England
BBCA teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a nine-year-old girl.
Police were called to Lime Close in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, at 18:09 GMT on Monday and the girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
The boy was arrested near Worle at 6.19pm and is currently in police custody.
House-to-house investigations are being carried out under police cordon.
Supt Jen Appleford, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “We know the whole of Weston-super-Mare will be devastated and shocked to learn this absolutely terrible news.”
She said the girl’s family had been informed on Monday evening, adding: “It is impossible for us to adequately put into words the pain and anguish they are feeling right now.”
Forensic investigation is ongoing and an autopsy will be performed.
Supt Appleford said: “Out of respect for the family, we would ask people to please not speculate about the circumstances or the identities of those involved as this will only add to their great distress.” he added.
The public was asked to be patient while investigations were carried out at home and in the surrounding area.
There will be increased police presence near residences in the coming days, but police said they were not aware of any increased risks to public safety.
