TRIBUTES from teddies to flowers and cards now fill a park bench near where an 11-year-old girl was found dead as a heartbroken community is united tonight in grief.
The park bench in Elmley Castle, near Pershore, is covered in bouquets of flowers and cards with poignant handwritten messages as a community mourns the death of an 11-year-old girl.
One message read: “Thinking of you and everyone who loves you. Rest gently. A local family xxx.”
‘To Mia, you have no idea how much I will miss you’
Another note read: “To Mia. You have no idea how much I will miss you. You will always be a part of me and a part of heart. I love you so much and it will be so hard to cope without you. We’ve made so many mistakes but we have turned them into memories I can never forget. Rest in peace my sweet angel. You will be missed by everyone xxx.”
HEARTBREAK: A heart frames a teddy and a letter addressed to ‘Miya’ near where an 11-year-old girl was found dead (Image: Newsquest)
An officer at the scene said people had been coming all day to leave flowers and cards. A cordon remains at the scene.
Another message read: “Miya, If I knew it was the last time I hugged you, I would have hugged you longer. Rest in peace, angel.”
‘Rest in peace, angel’
The girl was found dead in a park near a cricket ground in the village after being reported missing at around 11.20pm on Sunday.
A spokesperson for Elmley Castle, Bricklehampton and Netherton Parish Council said: “The Parish Council is devastated to learn of the tragic loss of a child within our community. At this difficult time, our thoughts and condolences are with the child’s family, friends, and all those that knew and loved them.”
CORDON: A police cordon remains in place near where the body of an 11-year=old girl was found (Image: Newsquest)
Cllr Adrian Hardman, who represents Bredon division for the county council (which includes Elmley Castle) said: “This is very sad news, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and the community.”
Police have described the death as “deeply upsetting” and are continuing to investigate the circumstances.
Chief Inspector Daniel Pilkington, of West Mercia Police, said: “We know the death of a young girl will be deeply upsetting for the local community, and our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this time.
GRIEF: The flowers and cards for ‘Mia’ left on a bench near where an 11-year-old girl was found dead (Image: Newsquest)
“Her death is currently being treated as unexplained, and we are carrying out enquiries to fully understand the circumstances and provide her family with the answers they deserve.
“We would also ask people not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding her death.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for her family, and I would urge everyone to be mindful of the impact that speculation could have on them.”
A small area of woodland near cricket practice nets remained cordoned off on Monday, with two uniformed officers monitoring the area.
A male passerby said: “It’s terrible, tragic news.
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“It’s a terrible shock and you feel for the family.”
Another resident described the situation as “a real shock.”
She said: “It is such a close community, everybody knows everybody here. It is generally safe, so it’s just a real shock.
“We all feel like (children) are fine here and safe. There’s always children playing here. You just wouldn’t expect it at all.”
Police have said there will be an increased presence in Elmley Castle while investigations continue.
Chief Insp Pilkington said: “I want to reassure residents that this is part of our work to establish exactly what has happened, and officers will also be available to speak to anyone in the community who has concerns.”
Her family continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
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