Tributes have been paid to an 11-year-old girl whose body was discovered in a park in Worcestershire, in a death police are currently treating as unexplained.
The girl was named locally as Miya Deamer-Jones. She is believed to have lost her father to cancer three years ago.
Miya was reported missing at around 11.20pm yesterday before being found dead at a park near Elmley Castle Cricket Club, in Elmley Castle.
West Mercia Police said inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death remain ongoing.
The force confirmed that Miya’s family had been informed and was receiving support from specially trained officers.
Sunflowers were placed on a nearby bench in Miya’s memory as villagers described their shock and grief.
A source said Miya had been deeply affected by the loss of her father, adding: “I know she really missed him a lot. He died at the family home.”
A schoolfriend left flowers at the scene with a tribute to Miya, who was also known as Mia. It read: “You have no idea how much I miss you. You will always be a part of me and a part of my heart.”
Miya Deamer-Jones has been named locally as the 11-year-old girl found dead in a park. The image was shared by her family online in 2021.
“I love you so much and it will be hard to cope without you,” the tribute continued.
The source said: “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,” the source added.
Another woman who knew Miya said: “She was such a happy girl. This is tragic.”
A villager said the death represented “every parent’s worst nightmare”.
Miya, one of four sisters, lived with her mother and at least one sibling on a nearby street. Relatives were understood to have gathered at the family home today.
A neighbour said: “They are a really nice family. My heart goes out to them.”
Miya is understood to have been playing with a friend at home yesterday afternoon.
A police car was seen this morning at the Worcestershire park where the body was discovered.
The 11-year-old was found at the park near Elmley Castle Cricket Club.
The scene at Elmley Castle Cricket Club in the centre of the Worcestershire village today.
Sunflowers have been left in memory of the girl on a nearby bench
Chalk marks could be seen on the pavement outside, where there was also a trampoline in the family’s front garden.
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It is thought Miya then went to the cricket field, where villagers said children would often call in to the cricket club 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, who could not immediately comment.
Local resident Laurence O’Shaughnessy, 50, said he heard sirens between 11.15 and 11.30pm 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.’
Police were called after Miya’s family searched the village for the schoolgirl when she failed to return home
Police put up cordons as they continued investigations at the Worcestershire park
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
A woman who lives in the area and has a daughter the same age said it was a ‘real shock’.
‘It is such a close community, everybody knows everybody here,’ she said. ‘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. I will be fine, I have a lot of support around me… we will all be there for each other, I’m sure.’
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.’
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