The death of an 11-year-old girl whose body was found in a park is being treated as 'unexplained' by police.
The girl, who has not been named, was reported missing at around 11.20pm yesterday, and was later found deceased in Elmley Castle in Worcestershire at a park near Elmley Castle Cricket Club.
West Mercia Police have said enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the child's death are ongoing, which at this stage is described as 'unexplained'.
The force confirmed the girl's family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Sunflowers have been left in her memory on a nearby bench as villagers told of their shock at the death.
Laurence O'Shaughnessy, 50, said he heard sirens between 11.15 and 11.30am, but did not think 'anything of it' at the time. He later heard sirens again approaching midnight.
'It was only when I woke up this morning that I found out what had happened,' Mr O'Shaughnessy said.
'It's frightening. It's all taped off by the cricket nets, which I think is where she was found. We don't know who she is or whether she's from the village.'
A police car this morning at a Worcesershire park where the body of an 11-year-old girl has been found
The girl, who has not been named, was found at the park near Elmley Castle Cricket Club
Sunflowers have been left in memory of the girl on a nearby bench
Another villager, who was not named, described the death as 'tragic'. She said: 'I only found out about this when my daughter-in-law heard it on the news and phoned me.
'It's a really quiet village and the last place you would expect something like this to happen. It's tragic.'
West Mercia Police have said those living in Elmley Castle should expect to see an increased police presence in the area while officers carry out their enquiries.
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.
'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.
'People may notice an increased police presence in Elmley Castle while these enquiries continue. 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.'