Two people have been arrested as part of a murder investigation after a nine-year-old girl died from a suspected stab wound in Boston.
Lincolnshire Police said officers were called to the scene on Fountain Lane in Boston at 6.20pm on Thursday.
The force said the area has been cordoned off and they will be at the scene for the foreseeable future.
Two people were arrested on Friday following the “isolated incident”, police said.
The victim’s parents have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
“Her family will be supported by specialist trained officers,” a short statement added.
Speaking to reporters near the police cordon at the scene, Chief Superintendent Kate Anderson described the nine-year-old’s death as an “utter tragedy”.
Declining to confirm the nationality of the victim’s family, the officer said: “At the moment we are respecting the wishes of the family by not releasing her details.”
The senior officer 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.”
At the scene late on Thursday night, a police car was stationed either side of an alleyway to cordon the area off to the public.
Two forensic officers in white suits could be seen working at the scene before leaving in the early hours of Friday morning.
A large object appeared to be covered in the middle of the alleyway, which was marked by small yellow signs.
The Conservative MP for Boston and Skegness, Matt Warman, said he had been in contact with the policing minister to ensure national assistance is available to the murder investigation.
“Profoundly shocking news in Boston this evening,” Mr Warman he said.
“I have spoken to senior officers locally and am hugely grateful for all the emergency services’ work.
“I have also been in contact with policing minister Tom Pursglove to ensure that any national help that might be useful is made available as quickly as possible.”
