Tributes have been paid to an 11-year-old girl whose body was found in a park in what police say is being treated as an 'unexplained' death.

The girl was today named locally as Miya Deamer-Jones, who is believed to have lost her father to cancer three years ago. 

She had been reported missing at about 11.20pm yesterday and was later found dead in Elmley Castle in Worcestershire at a park near Elmley Castle Cricket Club. 

West Mercia Police said enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the child's death were ongoing. 

The force confirmed the girl's family had been informed and were being supported by specially trained officers. 

Sunflowers have been left in Miya's memory on a nearby bench as villagers told of their shock at the death. 

A source said of Miya and her late father: 'I know she really missed him a lot. He died at the family home.'

A schoolfriend's tribute left with flowers at the scene for Miya, who was also known as Mia, said: 'You have no idea how much I miss you. You will always be apart (sic) of me and apart (sic) of my heart.

'I love you so much and it will be hard to cope with out (sic) you.'

The source added: 'I woke up to a stream of messages from Mia's mum, sent late last night, saying she couldn't find her.

'Mia was a cheeky character. There aren't words to describe this.'

Another woman who knew her said: 'She was such a happy girl. This is tragic.'

One neighbour said: 'This is every parent's worst nightmare.'

Miya, one of four sisters, lived with her mother and at least one of her siblings in a nearby street. Relatives were understood to be gathered at the address today.

A villager added: 'They are a really nice family. My heart goes out to them.'

It is understood that Miya had been playing with a friend at home yesterday afternoon.

Chalk marks could be seen on the pavement outside, where there was also a trampoline in the family's front garden.

It is thought Miya had gone to the cricket field, where villagers said children would often call in for a hot chocolate.

Police were called after Miya's family searched the village for the schoolgirl when she failed to return home.

Miya was said to attend Bredon Hill Academy, a middle school in the nearby village of Ashton under Hill.

The school referred calls to Worcestershire County Council today, which did not comment. 

Local resident Laurence O'Shaughnessy, 50, said he heard sirens between 11.15pm and 11.30pm but did not think 'anything of it'. He then heard sirens again towards 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.'

A woman who lives in the area and has a daughter the same age said it was a 'real shock', adding: '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.

'I just can't believe it. We will all be there for each other, I'm sure.'

Another villager, who was not named, 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 said those living in Elmley Castle should expect to see an increased police presence while officers carry out enquiries. 

Chief Inspector Daniel Pilkington 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 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.'