Teenage boy held on suspicion of murdering girl, 9

A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a nine-year-old girl.

Police 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, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "We know the whole of Weston-super-Mare will be distraught and shocked to learn of this utterly dreadful news."

She 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."

A criminal investigation is underway, 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.

The community has been asked to remain patient as inquiries are carried out at the house and in the surrounding area.

There will be an increased police presence around the residential close in the coming days, though the force said it was not aware of any increased risk to public safety.

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