This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a teenage girl after she was found dead in a Wiltshire town.

Emergency services were called to a residential address in Calne, south-west of Swindon, on Friday afternoon and the girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

The boy, who police said was known to the girl, was arrested later on Friday in the Chippenham area and remains in custody.

Kier Pritchard, the chief constable of Wiltshire police, said: “My thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event. It’s such a tragic and early loss of life. All family members and the wider community will be absolutely devastated.

“Thank you to all police officers, staff and wider partners for your professional response.”

A postmortem examination to determine the cause of death and formally identify the girl, whose age has not been given by police, is due to be held on Sunday.

Forensics officers were seen continuing to investigate on Saturday behind a police cordon at the Springfield Drive home where the girl died.

Neighbours reportedly spoke of how “very sad” and “unsettling” news of her death was, saying that the girl – who has not yet been identified – had recently turned 17 and was taking driving lessons.

Supt Conway Duncan of Wiltshire police expressed his condolences and said police had launched a robust response.

“The thoughts of everyone at Wiltshire police are with the family of the victim at what must be a devastating time for them,” he said. “They are receiving support from specially trained officers and we will continue to do everything we can to help them come to terms with what has happened.

“This investigation is still in its early stages but I would like to reassure the local community that a robust police response was launched yesterday and will continue in the days to come.”

He added: “People in Calne are likely to see a significant police presence in the area over the weekend as our inquiries progress.”