Lillia Valutyte: Girl, 9, killed in Boston stab attack named by police

Speaking on Friday afternoon, Ch Supt Kate Anderson spoke of the "grief and pain" of Lilia Valutyte's family

A nine-year-old girl who died after being stabbed in a Lincolnshire street has been named by police.

Lillia Valutyte was found on Fountain Lane in Boston on Thursday at 18:20 BST with what officers believe was a stab wound, said Lincolnshire Police.

A murder inquiry began and on Friday the force said two people had been arrested in connection with her death.

Ch Supt Kate Anderson said: "Our thoughts continue to be with Lilia's family and friends".

The officer said those who wished to leave flowers and tributes could lay them at the corner of Fountain Lane and Fountain Place.

Tributes were laid at the police cordon on Friday morning

She said she was only able to imagine "the grief and pain" Lilia'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."

Lillia's family were being supported by specially-trained officers at this "very difficult time", she added.

At the scene: Jessica Lane, reporter, BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Boston is shocked and saddened about this. Everyone here is telling me their thoughts are with Lillia's family.

All day people have come to leave flowers - even those who didn't know her. They just want to pay tribute.

Flags on council buildings are to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect, while police and politicians are urging people to refrain from commenting on social media.

In a close-knit community and a small town, people knew who Lilia was before police gave out her name and are sure now to rally around her family even more.

Speaking earlier on Friday, Ch Supt Anderson 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," she said.

Members of the public were invited to light candles at the nearby church.

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

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

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

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

He said the flag at the council's offices would be flown at half-mast as a sign of respect.

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

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

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.

People also left flowers and messages at the scene

Carolyn Clifton, from the No. Twenty hotel and bar on Wormgate in Boston said: "It's just around the corner so it was all going on last night. I had customers in here.

"Any child that dies in those circumstances is obviously shocking and very sad."

Meanwhile, Kristian Harrison, who stopped to lay flowers near the scene, said she was "overcome with shock".