Lilia was discovered on a quiet lane in Boston at around 6.20pm yesterday, leaving locals in ‘profound shock’ and the local MP pleading for national help to find the killer.
Two people were arrested this morning in connection with the killing, police said, adding that it was a ‘isolated’ incident and that they were not ‘in a position’ to identify the victim.
As forensic officers bagged up evidence, a small tent was spotted near the town’s historic St Botolph’s Church.
In the middle of the alleyway, which was marked by small yellow signs, a large object appeared to be covered.
The United Kingdom is in the grip of a knife crime epidemic, with the latest figures for England and Wales showing that knife-related offences are up 10% from the previous year.
This weekend in London, three people were killed and another was seriously injured in a wave of stabbings.
Sadly, this is not the first time a child has died as a result of a fatal stabbing in the United Kingdom, with a 12-year-old boy murdered by a teenager named Ava White in Liverpool last November. He was sentenced to at least 13 years in prison.
‘Officers were called to the scene of the incident at Fountain Lane, Boston, at around 6.20pm yesterday,’ Lincolnshire Police Chief Superintendent Kate Anderson said today.
‘A nine-year-old girl died as a result of a stab wound,’ police said.
‘Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident.’
‘We believe this is a one-time occurrence.’ We are pursuing numerous lines of inquiry and have committed a significant amount of resources to this investigation. More officers will be patrolling the area, and a large number of specialist detectives have been brought in to assist with the investigation.
‘We are not yet able to identify the victim.
‘Her parents are being supported by specially trained officers during this difficult time, and I can only imagine their grief and pain.’ We are concerned about their well-being and the well-being of those she knew.’
Fountain Lane, which backs onto Boston’s Grade II listed old courthouse The Sessions House, was cordoned off by police.
A forensic tent was also set up in the street as officers searched for clues at the scene, which is also in the shadow of the historic St Botolph’s Church.
The body of the girl was discovered outside MS Agricultural Services on a quiet lane near quaint cobblestone streets lined with cafes and coffee shops.
Much of the surrounding area is commercial, with parking lots, a main street, and several boarded-up stores, but the street also runs alongside the end of a residential street.
The town was in shock as it came to terms with the tragic news late yesterday evening, with heartbroken residents calling it the’most shocking tragedy ever to befall’ the town.
‘It’s just so shocking,’ said Arthur Smith, 66, who knelt down to pray at the scene. A poor little angel has perished. I truly feel for her and her parents.
‘Whoever did it should be imprisoned for life, and I mean life.’ Something like this would never have occurred to me as a child.’
