Girl, 11, found dead in woodland river after search
Police confirmed the schoolgirl was found at around 4.25pm on Thursday.
An 11-year-old girl has died after emergency services found her in a river at a woodland park in Midlothian.
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A search operation had earlier taken place due to “reports of concern” for a young girl in Gore Glen Woodland Park, near Gorebridge.
Police confirmed the schoolgirl was found at around 4.25pm on Thursday and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her family have been informed.
On Friday, police maintained a cordon around paths which pass underneath Shank Bridge, with police tape blocking access along the walking route.
The bridge carries the A7 road over the Gore Water.
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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for an 11-year-old girl in the Gore Glen area, near Gorebridge, around 12.40pm on Thursday August 6.
“The body of the girl was found in the Gore Water near to Shank Bridge around 4.25pm.
“She was pronounced dead at the scene and her family are aware.
“Her death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
The Gore Water river runs through the park, which is a beauty spot with views of the Pentland Hills to the south of Edinburgh.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 2.33pm on Thursday to attend an incident in Gorebridge and dispatched two ambulances, our special operations team and a critical care paramedic to the scene.”
Colin Beattie, the MSP for Midlothian North, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of a young girl at Gore Glen Woodland Park.
“My thoughts are with her family, friends and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.
“This is a deeply distressing incident for the local community, and I know many people will be shocked and saddened by the news.
“However, with a Police Scotland investigation ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“I would urge people to respect the privacy of the family and their loved ones at this extremely difficult time, and to allow the police the space they need to carry out their inquiries.”