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A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a nine-year-old girl was found dead at a home in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

The discovery was made on Monday, Avon and Somerset Police said.#

The force said they were called to Lime Close, in the Mead Vale area, at 6.09pm and the first officer arrived three minutes later.
The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

The boy was arrested nearby in Worle at 6.19pm and he remains in custody.

A police cordon remains in place in Lime Close while the investigation continues, and house-to-house inquiries have begun, police said.

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."

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