Police investigating death of 11-year-old schoolgirl whose body was found in village park say they are not looking for a ‘third party’

DAILYMAIL.COM • 1h ago

By ANDY DOLAN, GENERAL REPORTER and CLAIRE DUFFIN, SENIOR REPORTER 14:41 06 Oct 2026, updated 15:29 06 Oct 2026

Detectives investigating the death of an 11-year-old girl whose body was found in a park have said they are not looking for a ‘third party’.

The girl named locally as Miya Deamer-Jones was reported missing at around 11.20pm on Sunday.

She 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 but have said they are not looking for a ‘third party’.

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 understood to have died three years ago from cancer: ‘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 on Monday.

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 on Monday, 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.’

Police have asked that the public do not fuel any ‘speculation’ following the discovery of her body, but confirmed today that the girl’s death is being treated as unexplained.

The force added that they are ‘not trying to identify any third party involved’ and further details will be released when they are able to.

Chief Inspector Daniel Pilkington said: ‘Our thoughts remain with the girl’s family and friends at what is an incredibly sad and difficult time for them.

‘We understand the death of a young girl will have caused considerable sadness and concern within Elmley Castle and the wider community.

‘Officers are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and, while we keep an open mind as those inquiries progress, there is nothing at this stage to suggest there is any wider risk to the community.

‘People may continue to see officers in Elmley Castle while this work takes place, and I hope their presence provides some reassurance to residents.’

Dame Harriett Baldwin, the local MP said she had spoken to the police about their investigation.

She said: ‘I have been briefed by West Mercia Police which is investigating a tragic incident which occurred over the weekend in Elmley Castle.

‘My thoughts are with the family and friends of the young girl who died and I offer my support to any constituent who needs it at this difficult time.

‘There has been a great deal of media interest regarding this incident and I would encourage people not to speculate on this very sad matter. I am assured that once the facts are known, West Mercia Police will make a further statement.’

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