THIS is the first photo of a nine-year-old girl who was stabbed to death while playing with a toy pram on a quiet street last night.
Lilia Valutyte’s body was discovered in Boston, Lincolnshireafter she was fatally injured around 6:20 p.m.
Police officers and paramedics rushed to Fountain Lane after the gruesome discovery. Tragically, Lilia could not be saved.
Lincolnshire Law enforcement launched a murder investigation. Two people have been arrested.
In an update this afternoon, East Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Kate Anderson said: “Our thoughts are with Lilia’s family and friends, and if anyone in the public has information that can help, please call 101 citing Incident 419 of July 28th, or they can report anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
Speaking to reporters near the police cordon at the scene this morning, the senior officer described Lilia’s death as an “utter tragedy”.
She said: “A nine-year-old girl has died from what we believe was the result of a stab wound. We have arrested two people in connection with the incident.
“We believe this is an isolated incident and we are conducting extensive lines of investigation and have committed a number of resources to this investigation.”
She added that a “large number of specialist detectives” have been called in to assist with the investigation.
But the chief inspector declined to comment on whether those arrested were adults or minors, and would not confirm what crime they were being charged with.
She said: “We have a number of active lines of inquiry.
“It would be unfair if I speculated about possible motives.”
Heartbroken locals have expressed horror at the “most shocking tragedy to ever befall their city,” with many residents leaving floral tributes near the scene.
A bouquet of pink roses left nearby read, “Sorry, this cruel world has taken your life, pretty girl.
“May you be in the arms of the angels.”
Taxi driver Jonathan Newton, 55, said: “We are a close-knit community here and the city has been shaken to the bone by this tragedy.
‘JUST A GIRL’
“She was just a little girl, how could anyone do this to a nine-year-old?
“It’s the most shocking tragedy that has ever happened to our town. I’m just speechless.’
Another local resident, who would not be named, added: “I just pray that whoever did this is caught quickly. My heart breaks for that girl’s parents.
“I’ve seen people in tears today who don’t even know the family.”
A business owner who cut the victim’s hair a few days ago said: “This is just a sick joke.
“She was so small. I was just cutting her hair days ago.
“There is no more humanity in this place – none. It is inhumane for someone to do this.”
She was just a little girl, how could anyone do this to a nine year old?
Jonathan Newton
Someone else added: “This is beyond any parent’s worst nightmare.”
A fifth said, “Scary, scary world. Makes you not want to let your kids play outside.”
Police say the tragic victim’s family has been notified of her death and will be assisted by officers.
And the tragedy follows a weekend of bloodshed in London, where three people were killed in less than 24 hours, and another seriously injured.
It is not the first time a young girl has been stabbed to death in Britain. with the gruesome murder of 12-year-old Ava Whitewho was stabbed to death in Liverpool last November by a 14-year-old boy.
According to Home Office figures from 2016, the port city of Boston was the murder capital of England and Wales at the time.
It topped a local authorities list with the most murder, attempted murder, or conspiracy to commit murder per 100,000 people, Email online reports.
‘PARENTS WORST NIGHTMARE’
A father whose 12-year-old son Roberts Buncis was stabbed to death in the area two years ago begged for answers this morning.
He said to the loved ones of the last victim of Boston, “Dear family, you are going through hell, be strong and take all the help you can get.
“My son was stabbed to death 12/12/2020 and I still live with that and think it will never end. It’s so sad.
“Where are we going, what’s wrong with this world, what’s wrong with Boston… I’d tell you a thousand words but I don’t know what to say… be strong, love the ones you have .”
Meanwhile, Matt Warman MP, on behalf of Boston and Skegness, said his thoughts were with the young girl’s family.
He said: “Very shocking news tonight in Boston. My thoughts are with the family of the girl involved – if you have any information that could help police with the ongoing investigation, please use the contact details below.
“I have spoken with senior officers locally and am extremely grateful for all the work of the emergency services.”
He added: “I would like to ask people not to speculate while this hugely important police investigation is underway.
“It is vital that those responsible are brought to justice.”
Anyone with information is urged to call 101, citing Incident 419 of July 28.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report to the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.