Murder probe after teenage girl found dead in Wolverhampton's West Park
Forensic teams have been searching the parkland as police launch a murder investigation
A murder investigation has been launched after a teenage girl was found dead at Wolverhampton's West Park.
Officers were called to West Park just after 7am today after a passer-by discovered the girl.
The teen, who is not being named at this stage, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her family are being supported by specialist officers.
West Midlands Police say a post-mortem will be held in due course.
A cordon is in place at the park as specialist officers carry out forensic investigations.
WATCH: Police teams in West Park as murder investigation launched
A post mortem will take place to establish the cause of death.
Detective Chief Inspector Edward Foster, leading the investigation, said: “The investigation is at an early stage, but we’re really keen to hear from anyone who was in or around the park overnight.
“It’s vital that we speak to anyone with information, no matter how small it may be.”
Superintendent Harvi Khatkar, of Wolverhampton Police, added: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family of the young girl at this terrible time.
“We fully understand that people will be really concerned about what has happened, but we have a dedicated team of detectives working on the investigation.
“Extra patrols will be taking place in the area and I’d encourage anyone with concerns to speak to their local officers.”
The murder inquiry has sent shockwaves through the nearby community.
Resident Mani Kaur, aged 45, said: "I do not feel safe at all. There have been other incidents in the park such as stabbings but never anything this extreme from what I know. I am shocked.
"It is very scary, I do not know what to expect next. I saw police officers at 8.30am this morning but have not heard anything about what happened."
Fellow neighbour Kay Lamb, aged 57, added: "I am shocked. A lot of trouble happens nearby. The [Wolves] match was on last night so it was noisy and busy but I did not see anything else.
"You are as safe as you can be around here. You do see there are a lot of issues in and around the park, including drug problems in certain areas.
"It would be nice to see more of a police presence in the area on a regular basis.
"I visit fairly often and was meant to be going with my grandchildren this week but will not be going anymore if the cordon is in place.
"I have been here for 18 years and nothing like this has happened before."
Another resident, Sudarshna Banua, raised concerns about safety for people in the area.
The 82-year-old said: "It is very bad, I feel sorry for the person and their family.
"When we bought the house it was a very safe place to live but now I have put a chain on my door because it is not so anymore.
"The park was a very nice place to walk and I used to go every day but I am frightened to go there nowadays."
