Rumours that an escaped prisoner was involved in the death of a teenage girl in Warrington have been quashed by the Ministry of Justice.
Yesterday afternoon (Saturday February 11) emergency services were scrambled to Culcheth Linear Park following reports that a girl had sustained serious injuries. She was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Since the incident, a number of rumours have been circulating in the local area and on social media - including one that an escaped prisoner from nearby HMP Risley was involved in the death. However the Ministry of Justice has told the Manchester Evening News that there have been no recent escapes or absconds from the jail.
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Detective Chief Inspector Adam Waller, of Cheshire Constabulary, said that there is not believed to be a wider threat to anyone else and asked people not to speculate about the circumstances. In a statement, he said “I understand the concerns that this incident is likely to cause, and I am aware that there are rumours circulating online – however, I would urge people not to speculate.
“We are following numerous lines of enquiry to establish what led to the victim’s death, and local residents will see an increased presence of police officers in the area while we investigate this incident. At this stage we do not believe there is a wider threat to anyone else however if you have concerns please do speak to a local officer.
“As part of our investigation, I am keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have witnessed the incident or seen anything unusual in Culcheth Linear Park at around 3pm. The same goes for anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage which may aid our investigation. I urge anyone with any information – no matter how small – to get in touch.”
Information can be reported online via our website or by calling 101, quoting IML 1476832. Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
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