Police investigate death of Ukrainian teenager in Dawlish

The 14-year-old girl was found unconscious on the beach on Saturday

Author: Simon McleanPublished 6th Mar 2023
Last updated 6th Mar 2023

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a Ukrainian teenage girl in South Devon over the weekend.

Officers were called to reports of a missing 14-year-old from the Dawlish area on Saturday 4th March.

Searches were carried out - with support from the police helicopter and coastguard - and an unconscious person was found on Dawlish Beach.

She was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where she later died.

Formal identification has taken place and her next of kin have been told.

Detective Inspector Becky Davies from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The deceased girl was a Ukrainian national who was living in the Dawlish area; contact has been made with the Ukrainian Embassy and The Home Office are also aware of this incident.

“This death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries continue as to the circumstances surrounding this death. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the teenage girl at this tragic time.”

Anyone with any information or who may have CCTV / doorbell footage that can assist officers with the investigation is asked to contact 101@dc.police.uk quoting case reference 50230052081.

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