Death of 11-year-old schoolgirl whose body was found in village park not being treated as criminal investigation, police say

Published: 14:55 EDT, 7 October 2026 | Updated: 14:55 EDT, 7 October 2026 The death of a schoolgirl whose body was found in a village park is not being treated as a criminal investigation, police have confirmed. Miya Deamer-Jones, 11, was discovered dead at a park near Elmley Castle Cricket Club in Worcestershire after going missing at around 11.20pm on Sunday.West Mercia Police said that the death had been 'deeply upsetting' and had 'shocked the local community and touched the hearts of people far beyond it'. They added officers had worked 'tirelessly and thoroughly to establish the circumstances surrounding her death' and have found no evidence of suspicious circumstances or any third-party involvement in her death.The force has now passed the case onto the coroners who will consider the circumstances of her death in due course.Chief Inspector Daniel Pilkington said: 'At the heart of this tragedy is a family who have lost a daughter and sister. Our thoughts remain with them, her friends and everyone who knew and loved her as they face an unimaginable loss.'We know news like this is deeply upsetting. It has shocked the local community and touched the hearts of people far beyond it.'We understand that naturally people want answers when something so tragic happens, and that uncertainty can be difficult. Our officers have worked tirelessly and thoroughly to establish the circumstances surrounding her death. We have kept an open mind and examined all available lines of enquiry. Miya Deamer-Jones, 11, was discovered dead at a park near Elmley Castle Cricket Club in Worcestershire after going missing at around 11.20pm on Sunday 'Following these detailed and extensive enquiries, we can confirm that we have found no evidence of suspicious circumstances or any third-party involvement in her death, and it is not being treated as a criminal investigation.'A full file will now be prepared for HM Coroner, who will consider the circumstances of her death in due course, as is the standard process.'The chief inspector added that the force 'understands that people often turn to social media in moments of shock and sadness' but that speculation and sharing unverified information can cause 'additional distress to a family already living through every parent’s worst nightmare'. 'We would ask everyone to consider this impact carefully, and think of Miya’s family before posting online,' he said.Miya, one of four sisters, lived with her mother and at least one of her siblings in Elmley Castle. Paying tribute to Miya, one neighbour told the Daily Mail: 'Miya was a cheeky character. There aren't words to describe this.'Another woman who knew her said: 'She was such a happy girl. This is tragic.' A villager added: 'They are a really nice family. My heart goes out to them.'