NEIGHBOURS have expressed their shock and heartbreak at the launch of a murder investigation after a 10-year-old girl was found dead at a home in Rowley Regis.
A 33-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the girl was discovered dead at a house in Robin Close at around 12.10pm yesterday (Monday March 4).
The woman, said to be known to the girl, remains in custody being quizzed by detectives.
The girl's death has caused heartbreak in the local community with many people visiting the scene today (Tuesday) to pay their respects and leave gifts including teddies and cards in her memory.
Gifts have been left at the end of the police cordon in memory of 'Shay' as the cul-de-sac is still sealed off.
A mum, who lives three doors down from the murder scene, said: "It's heartbreaking.
"I could cry for her.
"I didn't know her or her mum but I had seen the little girl out playing last week.
"She seemed a bit shy but just a normal kid.
"My neighbours say they hadn't seen the girl since before the weekend and there are lots of people saying she could have been dead for two days in the house before she was found.
"I was at home yesterday (Monday) when I saw loads of police and ambulances in the street.
"I never expected to find out later that a little girl had been found dead.
"It's really upsetting.
"There are a lot of families around here and you just don't expect a child to die in such awful circumstances."
Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I think the girl had been living in the house with a woman which I assume was her mom but I don't know that for 100 per cent.
"I last saw the little girl a couple of weeks ago walking in the street.
"From what people say she was a quiet little girl who spent most of her time with her family."
Detective Inspector Dan Jarratt, of West Midlands Police, said: "A young girl has tragically lost her life and our thoughts are with her loved ones and all those impacted by this terrible passing.
"We know how shocking and distressing this will be for the community and we'll continue to have a police presence and offer our support in the area over the coming days."
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