Missing child, 5, dies after being found in water

A missing five-year-old child has died after being found in a body of water.

West Mercia Police said officers had responded to reports of a missing child in Badsey, Worcestershire, on Wednesday evening.

The child was found unresponsive in the water and a short time later was pronounced dead.

The force said they were believed to have drowned and called it "an incredibly tragic incident", adding there was no third-party involvement in the death.

Officers said they would not be identifying the child's sex out of respect for the family.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were called at 18:50 BST, sending an ambulance, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car to the scene.

A spokesperson said: "On arrival we discovered one patient, a young child.

"Ambulance staff and police worked quickly to treat the patient, but sadly, it became apparent nothing could be done to save them and they were confirmed dead at the scene."

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police added: "We ask the public to avoid speculation online as this is incredibly distressing to the family and we ask that their privacy is respected at such a difficult time."

Local business, Badsey Butchers, paid tribute in a Facebook post, saying: "Today has left our whole community shocked and deeply saddened.

"Our hearts go out to a local family facing an unimaginable loss, along with everyone who knows and loves them.

"There are simply no words that can ease a heartbreak like this, but we hope they know the entire village is thinking of them.

"Please keep them in your thoughts and give them the privacy and compassion they deserve."

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