Student, 17, found dead at her home as police continue to quiz a 17-year-old boy on suspicion murder

Sixth form student, 17, found dead at her home as police continue to quiz a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of her murder

  • Paramedics were called to a house in Calne, Wiltshire on Friday afternoon 
  • Police arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder in Chippenham 
  • A post mortem to determine the exact cause of the girl’s death is taking place
  • Police said the victim’s family were receiving support from specialist officers 

Police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the body of a 17-year-old girl in a house in Wiltshire. 

A 17-year-old boy, who is thought to be known to the victim, has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the girl was ‘found dead at her own home’.

Paramedics were called to Springfield Drive, Calne on Friday afternoon where they discovered the body of the girl shortly before 3.15pm. 

Paramedics were called to Springfield Drive, Calne on Friday afternoon where they discovered the body of the girl shortly before 3.15pm. Officers were today examining the crime scene

Paramedics were called to Springfield Drive, Calne on Friday afternoon where they discovered the body of the girl shortly before 3.15pm. Officers were today examining the crime scene

Forensic officers were today examining the scene on Springfield Drive, Calne following yesterday's discovery of a 17-year-old girl's body in a house on the estate

Forensic officers were today examining the scene on Springfield Drive, Calne following yesterday’s discovery of a 17-year-old girl’s body in a house on the estate

A post mortem to determine the exact cause of death is expected to be completed tomorrow

A post mortem to determine the exact cause of death is expected to be completed tomorrow

Police secured the crime scene and arrested a 17-year-old boy a short time later in Chippenham.

Local residents expressed their shock at the tragic murder.  

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. They [the police] said there’s no security risk but I don’t know how they can be sure.’

Sue Borley, who lives just outside the police cordon, has been a resident on Springfield Drive 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.’

A forensic post mortem is being carried out but the cause of death is not expected to be released until tomorrow. The victim has yet to be formally identified. 

The 17-year-old girl's body was found on Friday afternoon in Calne while the 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder in nearby Chippenham

The 17-year-old girl’s body was found on Friday afternoon in Calne while the 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder in nearby Chippenham

Forensics officers have spent the day working at the scene in the search for evidence

Forensics officers have spent the day working at the scene in the search for evidence 

Locals said the 17-year-old victim had recently celebrated her birthday and had just started learning how to drive

Locals said the 17-year-old victim had recently celebrated her birthday and had just started learning how to drive

Superintendent Conway Duncan of Wiltshire Police said: ‘The thoughts of everyone at Wiltshire Police are with the family of the victim at what must be a devastating time for them.

‘They are receiving support from specially trained officers and we will continue to do everything we can to help them come to terms with what has happened.

‘This investigation is still in its early stages but I would like to reassure the local community that a robust police response was launched yesterday and will continue in the days to come.

‘People in Calne are likely to see a significant police presence in the area over the weekend as our enquiries progress.

‘If anyone in the local area has any concerns, please approach one of the officers on patrol or at the cordon and they will be happy to answer your questions if appropriate to do so.’ 

The Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police has spoken of the ‘tragic and early loss of life’.

Kier Pritchard wrote on Twitter: ‘My thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event.

‘It’s such a tragic and early loss of life. All family members and the wider community will be absolutely devastated.’  

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 and quote log number 176 of May 3.   

Calne is a small town of about 17,000 people, according to 2011 census data.

It sits 33 miles from Bristol and is less than 20 miles away from Bath.

Wiltshire police said a large number of officers would be working in Calne over the coming days

Wiltshire police said a large number of officers would be working in Calne over the coming days

 

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