‘SHE REALLY MISSED HER DAD’ — 11-YEAR-OLD MIYA DEAMER-JONES FOUND DEAD AFTER DISAPPEARING IN QUIET VILLAGE

The heartbreaking death of 11-year-old Miya Deamer-Jones has left a close-knit Worcestershire village devastated — just three years after the schoolgirl lost her father to cancer.

An ordinary Sunday in the quiet village of Elmley Castle ended in unimaginable heartbreak when a family began searching for their young daughter after she failed to return home.

Hours later, Miya Deamer-Jones was found deceased in a park near the village cricket ground.

Her death is now being investigated by police, who have described the circumstances as “unexplained.”

As tributes continue to appear around the village, Miya’s family are facing another devastating loss.

MIYA REPORTED MISSING LATE ON SUNDAY NIGHT

Miya, who was also known as Mia, was reported missing at around 11:20pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

According to reports, the 11-year-old had spent part of the afternoon playing with a friend at her home.

It is understood that she later went towards the cricket field in the centre of Elmley Castle.

When she failed to return home, her family began searching the village themselves before police were contacted.

Officers launched a search of the area.

Miya was subsequently found deceased in the park near Elmley Castle Cricket Club.

Her family were informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

West Mercia Police said their investigation is continuing to establish exactly what happened.

HER DEATH REMAINS ‘UNEXPLAINED’

Police have repeatedly urged people not to speculate about Miya’s death.

In its latest update, West Mercia Police confirmed that officers are not currently trying to identify a third party in connection with the incident.

Chief Inspector Daniel Pilkington said detectives were keeping an open mind while working to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

He also said there was currently nothing to suggest a wider risk to the community.

Residents may continue to see an increased police presence in Elmley Castle as officers carry out their enquiries.

The clarification came after speculation began circulating within the community and online.

Police have stressed that Miya’s family are already experiencing an “incredibly sad and difficult time” and have asked people to be mindful of the impact that speculation could have on them.

A FAMILY ALREADY HIT BY TRAGEDY

Miya’s death comes after another devastating loss in her family.

Her father is understood to have died from cancer around three years ago.

A source quoted by The Sun said Miya had missed her father deeply.

The source said: “I know she really missed him a lot. He died at the family home.”

For the family, the loss of an 11-year-old daughter and sister has now brought another heartbreaking chapter only a few years after her father’s death.

Miya was one of four sisters and lived with her mother and at least one of her siblings in a nearby street.

A neighbour described the family as a “really nice family” and said the community’s thoughts were with them.

‘SHE WAS SUCH A HAPPY GIRL’

As news of Miya’s death spread, residents began leaving flowers and messages close to the scene.

Sunflowers were placed on a nearby bench as a tribute to the schoolgirl.

One of Miya’s school friends left a particularly emotional handwritten message.

The note said:

“You have no idea how much I miss you. You will always be a part of me and a part of my heart.”

It added that it would be difficult to cope without her.

Locals also described Miya as a happy and cheeky child.

One person who knew her said:

“She was such a happy girl. This is tragic.”

TORCHES SEEN NEAR THE CRICKET GROUND

The investigation has also drawn attention to reports from a local resident who said he saw people carrying torches near the cricket nets several hours before Miya was reported missing.

Retired resident Nicholas Farrington said he was walking his dog at around 7:45pm on Sunday when he noticed a couple of people with torches in the area where Miya was later found.

At the time, he said he thought it was unusual but did not think much more about it.

The sighting was reported after the tragedy became known.

Importantly, there has been no indication from police that the torch sighting is connected to Miya’s death, and officers have not said that those people were involved.

Police continue to ask the public not to speculate while enquiries are ongoing.

‘EVERY PARENT’S WORST NIGHTMARE’

The tragedy has shaken Elmley Castle, a small and close-knit village where residents say children regularly play outside.

One local woman, who has a daughter around Miya’s age, described the news as a “real shock.”

She said the village was generally considered safe and that children were often seen playing in the area.

Another resident described the situation as frightening and said the village was the last place they would expect such a tragedy.

For many parents in the community, the discovery has changed the atmosphere of a place they had previously considered peaceful.

A SCHOOLGIRL REMEMBERED BY HER COMMUNITY

Miya is understood to have attended Bredon Hill Academy in nearby Ashton-under-Hill.

Residents said children would regularly visit the cricket club area, with some youngsters known to stop by for a hot chocolate.

Reports also said Miya had been playing with a friend before she disappeared.

The details of those final hours are now part of the police investigation as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.

The area around the cricket ground has remained an important part of the investigation, while officers continue speaking to residents and gathering information.

POLICE URGE PEOPLE TO WAIT FOR THE FACTS

West Mercia Police have made clear that the investigation remains at an early stage.

Chief Inspector Pilkington said officers understood the level of sadness and concern caused by the death of such a young girl.

But he also urged people to allow detectives to establish the facts.

Police confirmed that, at this stage, there is no indication of a wider threat to people living in Elmley Castle.

The force has also asked anyone who may have information that could help the investigation to come forward.

A FAMILY WAITING FOR ANSWERS

For Miya’s family, the questions surrounding her death remain unanswered.

For her mother and sisters, the pain is made even more difficult by the memories of another devastating family loss just three years earlier.

For her friends, she is remembered not as a police investigation, but as an 11-year-old girl who went to school, played with friends and was part of a family who loved her.

Flowers now sit near the place where her life came to a heartbreaking end.

And as Elmley Castle waits for answers, police continue their work to understand exactly what happened to Miya Deamer-Jones.

Her death remains unexplained. No third party is currently being sought. And for a grieving family, the wait for answers continues.