A nine-year-old girl has been stabbed to death at a home in Somerset.
Police arrived at the scene in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare within three minutes of being called by paramedics, but the girl, named as Aria Thorpe, was declared dead there.
A teenage boy was later arrested less than half a mile away at Worle rail station.
He is being held on suspicion of murder.
Police have not revealed his age or whether he was known to the girl.
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Superintendent Jen Appleford said: ‘We know the whole of Weston-super-Mare will be distraught and shocked to learn of this utterly dreadful news.
‘The girl’s family were informed last night of what had happened. It is impossible for us to adequately put into words the pain and anguish they are feeling right now.
‘Our heartfelt condolences go out to them, and we’ll ensure they receive support from a specially-trained officer.
‘A criminal investigation is already well underway to establish the facts of this case. The formal identification process has not yet been completed, and a post-mortem examination will also be conducted.
‘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.’
A police cordon remains in place while police officers carry out their investigations.
Supt Appleford added: ‘We have no doubt the community will come together as one in response to this tragedy.
‘Enquiries are being carried out at the property as part of our investigation and we’d ask for people’s patience and understanding while that work is undertaken.
‘We will ensure our officers are available to provide reassurance and support to all. There will be an increased police presence in the area in the coming days, and we urge anyone with concerns to please speak to us, however we’d like to reassure people we are not aware of there being any increased risk to public safety.
‘We will continue to provide updates to the public as our investigation progresses.’
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