A nine-year-old girl was playing with her sister in a ‘quiet street’ before being stabbed to death.
Lilia Valutyte and her sibling were outside with hula hoops and toy strollers near their mother’s workplace in the city of Boston, Lincolnshire.
A witness explained that the girls were always trusted to play in the street, as it was usually very safe.
‘Her mother had a business inside’ the sun was told.
“She worked from a desk on her laptop and had been doing it for a few months.
“It’s only a quiet street, so she’d let them play outside.
“I think they had a hula hoop and a dollies stroller. I’m sure she would have been inside.’
Lilia’s mother was reportedly the first on the scene after the stabbing, desperately trying to save her daughter.
Her father, Aurejlius, had recently celebrated his birthday and had a cake baked by Lilia and her five-year-old sister.
The family had proudly shared photos of the creation on social media.
A family friend told The Sun, “There’s no humanity left in this place — none. It is inhumane for someone to do this.’
After her death, Lilia’s parents are supported by specially trained agents.
Two people have been arrested as part of a murder investigation in connection with the ‘isolated incident’ that took place on Thursday evening.
Chief Inspector Kate Anderson said Friday, “Our thoughts are with Lilia’s family and friends.”
The senior officer had described the young girl’s death as an “utter tragedy.”
Ms Anderson had previously refused to confirm Lilia’s nationality or to comment on details of those arrested and what they were suspected of being held for.
It is thought that Lilia and her family were Lithuanian.
Late Thursday night, a police car was parked on either side of an alleyway to cordon off the area to the public.
Boston Borough Council leader Paul Skinner said: “The city is united in mourning after the very sad and tragic death of a nine-year-old girl in Boston.
“We cannot imagine for a second the pain the young girl’s family and friends are going through and our sincere condolences go out to them.”
The municipality will fly the flag at half-mast from the municipal buildings after the tragedy.
Matt Warman, the Conservative MP for Boston and Skegness, said he has been in touch with the police secretary to ensure national aid is available for the murder investigation.
He wrote on Twitter on Thursday evening: “Very shocking news tonight in Boston.
“I spoke to senior officers on the spot and am extremely grateful for all the work of the emergency services.
“I have also been in contact with Police Secretary Tom Pursglove to ensure that any national aid is made available as soon as possible.”
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