Police are appealing for information after the youngster was discovered with serious injuries in Warrington.

Officers were called to Culcheth Linear Park at 3.13pm on Saturday following reports about the girl.

Emergency services attended the incident but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her next of kin have been informed but formal identification has not taken place.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Waller said police "do not believe there is a wider threat to anyone else".

In a statement, he said: "I understand the concerns that this incident is likely to cause, and I am aware that there are rumours circulating online - however, I would urge people not to speculate.

"We are following numerous lines of enquiry to establish what led to the victim's death, and local residents will see an increased presence of police officers in the area while we investigate this incident."

He added: "As part of our investigation, I am keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have witnessed the incident or seen anything unusual in Culcheth Linear Park at around 3pm.

"The same goes for anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage which may aid our investigation. I urge anyone with any information - no matter how small - to get in touch."

MP for Warrington North, Labour's Charlotte Nichols, said she had spoken to police and appealed for anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.