Sarah TurnnidgeWest of England
BBC
A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a nine-year-old girl.
Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called to Lime Close in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, at 18:09 GMT on Monday, where the girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
The boy was arrested in nearby Worle at 18:19 and is currently in police custody.
House-to-house inquiries are being carried out, with a police cordon in place.
Supt Jen Appleford gave a statement on Lime Close on Tuesday afternoon.
“We know the whole of Weston-super-Mare will be distraught and shocked to learn of this utterly dreadful news,” she said.
Supt Appleford 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.”
An investigation is under way, with a post-mortem examination to be carried out.
“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,” Supt Appleford added.
Police have asked the local community to remain “patient” as inquiries are carried out at the house and in the surrounding area.
There will also be an increased police presence in the streets around the crime scene in the coming days, although Avon and Somerset Police stressed it was not aware of any risk to the wider public.
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said he was “shocked and saddened” to hear of the incident.
In a post on social media, he said: “My thoughts are with all those affected, particularly the family and friends of the girl who has lost her life.
“The community will, I am sure, pull together to support each other at this difficult time.”
