An 11-year-old girl was found dead near a village cricket club in Worcestershire after being reported missing on Sunday night. Miya Deamer-Jones’s body was discovered in parkland close to Elmley Castle, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Miya, who had lost her father to cancer three years ago, was last seen playing with a friend at her family home near the park on Sunday afternoon. The home, located close to the area where she was found, showed signs of activity including chalk marks on the pavement and a trampoline in the front garden. Following the initial report, residents conducted searches with torches in the park area late Sunday evening, while an ambulance arrived at the scene shortly after midnight.

West Mercia Police are treating the death as “unexplained” and have initiated door-to-door inquiries in the village as part of their ongoing investigation. Chief Inspector Daniel Pilkington stated authorities are committed to uncovering the events that led to Miya’s death to provide clarity for her family.

The local community has expressed deep sorrow at the loss. Friends and neighbors described Miya as a lively and cheerful child. One close friend, Scarlett, left a floral tribute expressing her grief and the deep connection shared with Miya. Locals recalled that the cricket club where Miya was found was a common gathering point for children from the village, who often visited for social activities like having hot chocolate.

Miya was one of four sisters. Sources close to the family highlighted the impact of her father’s death on her, noting that she had missed him greatly since his passing at their family home. Residents described the situation as heartbreaking, referring to the tragedy as every parent’s worst fear.

Police have cordoned off parts of the cricket field, where search dogs have been deployed, as part of their efforts to understand the circumstances of Miya’s death. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities appealing for any information that may assist in their inquiries.