A murder investigation has been launched after Lincolnshire police clambered to Fountain Lane in downtown Boston around 6:20 p.m. Thursday. Police said on Friday that two people had been arrested following the “isolated incident”.
Police said she is unable to name the victim, but her parents have been informed and supported by specially trained officers.
Late Thursday night at the scene, police cars lined either side of an alleyway to cordon off the area to the public.
Two forensic officers in white suits were seen on the scene before leaving early Friday morning.
Police said in a statement: “We believe this is an isolated incident.
“We are following extensive lines of research and have committed a number of resources to this research.
“You will see more officers patrolling the area and we have a large number of specialized detectives on hand to assist with the investigation.”
Chief Inspector Kate Anderson spoke to reporters near the police cordon at the scene and described the nine-year-old’s death as an “utter tragedy”.
The officer declined to confirm the nationality of the victim’s family, saying, “At this time, we are respecting the family’s wishes by not releasing her details.”
The senior officer also declined to comment on whether those arrested were adults or minors, and declined to confirm what crime they were being charged with.
She added: “We have a number of active lines of research.
“It would be unfair if I speculated about possible motives.”
Local MP Matt Warman described the suspected murder as “extremely shocking”.
The Conservative MP for Boston and Skegness said: “My thoughts are with the family of the girl involved.
“I spoke to senior officers on the ground and am extremely grateful for all the work of the emergency services.
“I would like to ask people not to speculate while this hugely important police investigation is ongoing. It is vital that those responsible are brought to justice.”