Boy, 17, is charged with murder of 17-year-old showjumping student who was found dead at her home 

Ellie Gould was pronounced dead following the arrival of the emergency services 

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of Ellie Gould, 17, Wiltshire Police said.  

Ellie, who was a showjumper, was pronounced dead following the arrival of the emergency services at an address believed to be her home in Calne, Wiltshire.

Police detained the suspect, who was known to Ellie, in nearby Chippenham a few hours later on Friday afternoon.

The suspect, who cannot be named because of his age, was remanded in custody ahead of a court appearance at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. 

A cordon was in operation around the house on Saturday and a post-mortem examination was being carried out to determine the cause of death. 

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said detectives were making inquiries trying to unravel the circumstances surrounding Ellie’s death.

Inspector Don Pocock said: ‘I would like to again thank the communities of Calne and Chippenham for the support and patience they have shown so far to our officers as they have carried out inquiries as part of this murder investigation.

A group of mourners arrive at Ellie's home yesterday to lay flowers in Calne, Wiltshire

A group of mourners arrive at Ellie’s home yesterday to lay flowers in Calne, Wiltshire

 

‘A case like this takes time and will understandably have an impact on the local community – so thank you for your help and understanding.

‘Over the past few days, people living in Calne and Chippenham would have seen an increased police presence which I appreciate can add more anxiety and upset to what is already a tragic situation.

‘However, I want to reassure everyone that the officers and detectives involved have been working hard to carry out their duties as swiftly as possible to minimise the impact on those living and working here.

‘Inevitably there has been a lot of interest and discussion into this case on social media and the like – however, now that a person has been charged and court proceedings have started, please be mindful not to speculate or comment publicly on anything to do with the investigation.’

Ellie was a year 12 pupil at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham and she had represented the school at a number of showjumping events. 

Police launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the body in Calne on Friday

Police launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the body in Calne on Friday

Lisa Percy, head teacher of Hardenhuish School, said: ‘I would like to thank everyone for all of the messages of support that we have received from past, present and future parents, colleagues and other members of the community.

‘We would like to express our thanks to all partner agencies who have supported us too.

‘The students, staff and parents have found comfort in being together and paying their respects to Ellie and our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this time.’

Ellie’s family, who have asked for privacy, released a picture of the teenager but did not wish to say anything further at this time.

Ellie’s neighbours expressed their shock at the murder.

Locals say Ellie had recently celebrated her birthday and had just started learning how to drive

Locals say Ellie had recently celebrated her birthday and had just started learning how to drive

Sarah Collins said: ‘She had just turned 17 – I think that’s her car in the driveway with L plates on. I saw her practising driving with her dad around here. It’s very sad, and very unsettling.

‘The police said there’s no security risk but I don’t know how they can be sure.’

Sue Borley, whose home is just outside the police cordon, has lived on the street for eight years. She said: ‘It’s desperate, I feel so sorry for the parents. I got back last night and seeing all the police there, I couldn’t settle.’

Forensics officers spent Saturday working at the scene in the search for evidence

Forensics officers spent Saturday working at the scene in the search for evidence 

Calne police tweeted yesterday: ‘All our thoughts are with Ellie’s family, friends and schoolmates at this truly awful time. 

‘We continue to have a large presence in the town – please come and speak to us if you need to. Anyone with information is being asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101.’

Last night friends paid tribute to Ellie on social media.

One wrote: ‘RIP Ellie. Had the pleasure of sharing our horsey love with each other when we were younger, thoughts are with your family xx.’

Another said: ‘I cannot believe you are gone Ellie. The most kind and gorgeous girl. Sending so much love to you and your family.’

While a third commented: ‘Ellie was a beautiful girl inside and out, always happy and smiling and so polite. Thoughts go out to the family. RIP Ellie x.’ 

‘Our thoughts remain with Ellie’s family, her friends and schoolmates,’ said Superintendent Conway Duncan. 

‘Ellie’s family will continue to receive support from specially trained officers and we are aware that her fellow pupils are being encouraged to seek support being organised by her school.

‘We fully appreciate the level of shock, anxiety and upset in and around Calne and Chippenham and our officers are continuing to progress their inquiries as swiftly and diligently as possible.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank our communities in Calne for the support and patience they have shown our officers as they undertake their inquiries.’   

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