Police investigating the death of an 11-year-old girl whose body was found in a park in Worcestershire have said they are not seeking a third party.
The girl, named locally as Miya Deamer-Jones, was reported missing at about 11.20pm on Sunday after failing to return home. Her body was later found near Elmley Castle Cricket Club.
West Mercia Police said the circumstances surrounding the child’s death remained under investigation and were being treated as unexplained. The force said Miya’s family had been informed and was receiving support from specially trained officers.
Detectives have asked people not to fuel speculation, adding that they were “not trying to identify any third party involved”. Officers said there was currently nothing to suggest a wider risk to the community.
Chief Inspector Daniel Pilkington said: “Our thoughts remain with the girl’s family and friends at what is an incredibly sad and difficult time for them.
“We understand the death of a young girl will have caused considerable sadness and concern within Elmley Castle and the wider community.
“Officers are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and, while we keep an open mind as those inquiries progress, there is nothing at this stage to suggest there is any wider risk to the community.”
He added that residents might continue to see officers in Elmley Castle while the investigation continued, saying he hoped their presence would provide reassurance.
Sunflowers were left on a nearby bench in Miya’s memory as villagers described their shock. One resident said: “Mia was a cheeky character. There aren’t words to describe this.”
Another woman who knew the child said: “She was such a happy girl. This is tragic.” A neighbour added: “This is every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Miya, who was also known as Mia, was one of four sisters and lived with her mother and at least one sibling in a nearby street. Relatives were understood to have gathered at the family home on Monday.
A schoolfriend left a tribute with flowers at the scene, writing: “You have no idea how much I miss you. You will always be apart of me and apart of my heart.
“I love you so much and it will be hard to cope with out you.”
It is understood Miya had been playing with a friend at home on Sunday afternoon and had later gone to the cricket field, where villagers said children would often visit for a hot chocolate.
Local resident Laurence O’Shaughnessy said he heard sirens between 11.15pm and 11.30pm, followed by more around midnight.
“It was only when I woke up this morning that I found out what had happened,” he said. “It’s frightening. It’s all taped off by the cricket nets, which I think is where she was found.”
Miya was said to attend Bredon Hill Academy, a middle school in the nearby village of Ashton under Hill. The school referred enquiries to Worcestershire County Council, which did not comment.
Dame Harriett Baldwin, the local MP, said she had been briefed by West Mercia Police and urged people not to speculate.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the young girl who died and I offer my support to any constituent who needs it at this difficult time,” she said.
“There has been a great deal of media interest regarding this incident and I would encourage people not to speculate on this very sad matter. I am assured that once the facts are known, West Mercia Police will make a further statement.”
