A town has reacted with shock and horror after a nine-year-old girl died following a suspected stabbing as people walked home from work.
Lillia Valutyte died from a single wound in Boston town centre, Lincolnshire, shortly after 6pm on Thursday.
Two people were arrested and were being questioned over the incident on Friday as a large police investigation got under way.
In an unusual move, Lincolnshire police declined to confirm the ages or gender of the two people in custody, or say what offence they were arrested on suspicion of.
Ch Supt Kate Anderson described Lillia’s death as an “utter tragedy” and urged members of the public to come forward with any information. She said the murder was believed to be an isolated incident but police were pursuing extensive lines of inquiry.
She added: “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.”
A ceremonial flag was flown at half-mast from Boston’s municipal buildings on Friday as the town reacted to the news.
Bouquets of flowers and a large pink teddy bear were left at the police cordon on Fountain Lane, yards from the 14th-century St Botolph’s church.
The church, known locally as the Boston Stump, set up a prayer station on Friday where people could light a candle for Lillia and her family.
The Rev Jane Robertson, associate rector in the parish of Boston, said: “I’m a mother and a grandmother and my emotions are going all over the place. In the immediacy of this, we will find it very difficult.”
She added: “Any sudden and violent death affects everyone in a community, as we have witnessed over the last 12 hours. Every life is precious, but the loss of a child is particularly difficult for us to comprehend.
“We cannot begin to imagine the pain the parents, family and all those who have been affected by this tragic loss are feeling. We stand in this space alongside our community as a place where we can bring our thoughts, feelings and emotions – whatever they are.”
Paul Skinner, the leader of Boston borough council, said the town was “united in mourning”. He said: “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.”
He added: “I understand this incident has left many people shocked and worried. As a council, we remain committed to working with our partners to make Boston a safer community for all.”
Matt Warman, the Conservative MP for Boston and Skegness, described the news as “profoundly shocking” and said he had been in contact with the policing minister to ensure national assistance was available to the murder investigation.
Two forensic officers in white suits could be seen working at the scene before leaving in the early hours of Friday.
This article was amended on 30 July 2022 to correct the spelling of the victim’s name after further information from the police.