Jessica Knight was found with multiple stab wounds by a passer-by in Astley Park, in Chorley, Lancashire.
Det Supt Steve Brunskill, leading the police investigation, said: "This is a particularly nasty assault on a defenceless young girl.
"I am appealing for anyone who was in the Astley Village or Astley Park area between 4.30pm and 5.30pm yesterday to contact the incident room at Chorley.
"I am particularly interested to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour or who has noticed anything in the area recently that has aroused their suspicion."
Mr Brunskill added: "In particular, if you know of anyone who returned home after 5.15pm yesterday in an agitated state, who may also have been blood-stained, then we need to speak to you."
Officers are with Jessica's family at the hospital and are waiting to speak to her to piece together what happened.
Extra officers, including mounted officers and neighbourhood policing teams, will be on patrol in the area.
Officers will be visiting local schools to give reassurance to teachers and pupils and a mobile police station will also be in place in the Astley Village area.
:: Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
No comments:
Post a Comment