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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.
Residents said they feel “shocked” and “horrified” by what has happened.
“I was walking my dogs…I saw the police at the corner and as I glanced down the alleyway I saw some more police,” said local resident Star Barzey.
“I’m horrified that a young child has been [killed], I mean that is shocking”.
Glynis Field, who has lived in the area for 49 years, said: “I’ve never seen so many police cars in all my life, and ambulances, armed police.
“To think that’s right on our doorstep… It’s awful, terrible, absolutely terrible.”
Margaret Jones, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said: “The chances are that I would have seen her playing out, because a lot of the children round here play out here, it’s a horrible thought.
“It saddens me… I find it sad that I may have spoken to her and known her.”
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.
