Missing 4-Year-Old Girl with Autism Found Dead in Neighbor’s Pool in Lichfield
Lichfield, Staffordshire – A tragic search for a missing 4-year-old girl with autism came to a devastating end on Tuesday, as police confirmed that her body was discovered in a neighbor’s swimming pool. The young girl, who has not been named publicly at the family’s request, was reported missing from her home in a quiet residential area of Lichfield shortly before 8 a.m.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the area, launching a widespread search that included police officers, K9 units, drones, and local volunteers. The girl, described as non-verbal and having a fascination with water, had last been seen playing in the garden of her home just moments before she vanished.
Staffordshire Police said the girl’s parents raised the alarm after noticing the back gate was ajar and their daughter was nowhere to be found. Officers quickly canvassed the neighborhood, urging residents to check their gardens, sheds, and CCTV footage in hopes of locating her swiftly.
After several hours of searching, police officers discovered the child’s body in a covered swimming pool at a nearby property, only a few houses away from her own. The pool was reportedly obscured by fencing and foliage, making it difficult to spot from the outside.
Superintendent Mark Riley of Staffordshire Police addressed the media with somber words: “We are heartbroken to confirm that the body of the missing 4-year-old girl has been found. This is a truly tragic incident. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family during this unimaginable time.”
He added that there were no immediate signs of foul play and that the death is currently being treated as a “tragic accident.” A post-mortem examination will be conducted in the coming days to determine the exact cause of death.
The girl’s family is being supported by specially trained officers as they process the devastating loss. Neighbors have expressed their grief and shock, describing the child as “a sweet, curious little girl” who was often seen playing with her siblings outside.
“She was a beautiful little soul,” said a local resident. “We’re all just devastated. Everyone had hoped she would be found safe.”
The incident has raised questions about the safety of backyard pools and the importance of securing them, especially in neighborhoods where young children live. Local authorities have urged homeowners to ensure their pools are fenced off and properly covered to prevent similar tragedies.
Autism advocacy groups have also responded to the incident, noting that children with autism are at higher risk of wandering and water-related incidents. They emphasize the need for increased awareness, community vigilance, and tailored safety measures for families of neurodivergent children.
As the investigation continues, the Lichfield community has rallied around the grieving family. Flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten messages have begun to appear near the family’s home and at the entrance of the neighbor’s property, forming a small but heartfelt memorial to a young life gone too soon.
Police have asked the public to respect the family’s privacy while they mourn and said further updates would be provided as the investigation develops.
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