Police are investigating the death of a 14-year-old Ukrainian girl who was found unconscious on a beach in south Devon, where she was living.
The teenager was found on Dawlish town beach on Saturday evening after a search involving a police helicopter and HM Coastguard was mounted.
She was subsequently airlifted to the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital where she died. Formal identification has taken place and next of kin have been informed, according to Devon and Cornwall police.
DI Becky Davies said the force was called on Saturday evening with reports of a 14-year-old girl missing from the Dawlish area.
She added: “This death is currently being treated as unexplained and inquiries continue as to the circumstances surrounding this death. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the teenage girl at this tragic time.”
The girl’s death has had a profound impact in the community, where people were active in organising accommodation for families who fled the war in Ukraine, as well as raising money to support those still in the country.
A week ago, the Ukrainian flag was raised in Dawlish to recognise one year since Russia’s invasion. Dozens of visas were issued last year so that Ukrainians could stay with residents of the Dawlish and Teignmouth area as part of the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The mayor of Dawlish, councillor Lisa Mayne, said on Monday: “Our thoughts and profound condolences go out to the family, friends and wider Ukrainian community in Dawlish at this heartbreaking time.”
Police said contact had been made with the Ukrainian embassy and that the Home Office was also aware of the incident.
The force said it was asking anyone with any information, or who may have CCTV or doorbell footage that could assist with the investigation, to contact 101@dc.police.uk quoting case reference 50230052081.
