Culcheth Linear Park, normally a place for dog walks, fresh air and the occasional battle with Lancashire weather, has become the focus of a devastating police investigation after a teenage girl was found dead there on Saturday.
Cheshire Constabulary was called to the park at around 3.13pm following reports concerning the girl. Emergency services attended, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. She had sustained serious injuries.
Her relatives have been informed, while formal identification is due to take place in the coming days. This is an appalling tragedy, and the thought of a young person dying in a place so familiar to Culcheth residents is deeply distressing.
A crime scene remains in place while detectives establish exactly what happened. Detective Chief Inspector Adam Waller said officers are pursuing numerous lines of inquiry and that, at this stage, police do not believe there is a wider threat to the public.
That reassurance will matter to people in Culcheth, although it is hardly a magic switch for the fear and sadness such news understandably brings. Police will have a greater presence around the area while enquiries continue.
DCI Waller also addressed rumours circulating online, urging people not to speculate. Sensible advice, frankly. When a serious incident is still being investigated, social media can turn scraps of uncertainty into a full-blown work of fiction before anyone has had time to check a fact.
Police are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed anything, noticed unusual activity in Culcheth Linear Park at around 3pm on Saturday, or has relevant CCTV or dashcam footage. Cheshire Constabulary asks that information be reported through its website or by calling 101 and quoting IML 1476832. Anonymous reports can be made through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.