Boston: Two arrested after death of girl, 9, in suspected stabbing

Forensic teams have been searching the area overnight and on Friday morning

Two people have been arrested after a nine-year-old girl died in a suspected stabbing in Lincolnshire.

Police began a murder investigation after being called to Fountains Lane in Boston at about 18:20 BST on Thursday.

Speaking on Friday morning, Ch Supt Kate Anderson, from Lincolnshire Police, said the force believed it was an "isolated incident".

She said detectives were following "extensive lines of inquiry" with a "large number" of resources.

"You will see more officers patrolling the area and we have a high number of specialist detectives who have been brought in to assist the investigation."

The force said it was not in a position to name the victim, although her family were being supported by specially-trained officers at this "very difficult time".

Ch Supt Kate Anderson, of Lincolnshire Police, spoke to the media at the police cordon

Ch Supt Anderson also declined to comment on whether those arrested were adults or juveniles, and would not confirm what offence they were detained on suspicion of.

"We have a number of active lines of inquiry," the officer said.

"It would be unfair for me to speculate on potential motives."

Ch Supt Anderson said she was only able to imagine "the grief and pain" the girl's family were going through.

"This incident has shocked our community in Boston, and I would like to reassure the community that we're doing absolutely everything we can to progress the investigation and to support the family."

Reverend Jane Robertson, from nearby St Botolph's, said her heart "goes out" to the girl's family

Home Secretary Priti Patel has expressed her shock at the girl's death.

Posting on Twitter, she said: "My heartfelt sympathies go out to her family."

She added: "The police have my full support to conduct a thorough investigation.

"It is important we allow them the space to do so."

Reverend Jane Robertson, from nearby St. Botolph's Church, known as Boston Stump, said she was "devastated" by the news.

"[It] really affects everyone in the community", she said.

"One of the things we are thinking about is how every single life is precious, but the loss of a child is so difficult for anyone to comprehend."

Candles have been lit at the church following the girl's death

Members of the public have been invited to light candles at the church to remember the girl.

"We cannot begin to imagine the pain the parents, the family and everyone affected by this loss is feeling at this moment," she added.

"It's hard to put into words because I'm a mother and a grandmother and I just cannot begin to imagine how that family are feeling.

"My heart goes out to them."

Paul Skinner, leader of Boston Borough Council, said the town was "united in mourning".

"We can't for one second imagine the pain the family and the young girl's friends are going through, and our heartfelt condolences go out to them."

The flag at the council's offices would be flown at half-mast as a sign of respect, Mr Skinner added.

Flowers were laid at the police cordon on Friday morning

Matt Warman, the Conservative MP for Boston and Skegness, said the incident had sent "shockwaves through the community".

"I think anyone who has heard of these sorts of events, you often never think it could happen somewhere you are familiar with yourself," he told BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

Th MP, who had previously been in contact with the policing minister to ensure national assistance was available to the murder investigation, also praised the response of Lincolnshire Police and the East Midlands Serious Crime Unit.

He urged people to contact officers with any information that could assist the investigation.