Girl, 15, held over seven-year-old's death in York

Police officers discover a young girl with life-threatening injuries near a house in York who later died in hospital.

A 15-year-old girl has been arrested after the death of a seven-year-old girl in York.

Police were called to an address in Woodthorpe at around 4.30pm on Monday and found the girl nearby with life-threatening injuries.

She was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

"Officers remain at the scene while the investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death of the girl continues," a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said.

The York City and East neighbourhood policing team tweeted: "Difficult late shift for all York staff with tragic death of a 7 year old. Thoughts go out to family members."

It is understood that the girls did not live on the street where the body was found.

Neighbour Vicky Gilmour said: "It's quite shocking isn't it?  I hope it's just an accident, nothing worse." 

Woodthorpe councillor Ashley Mason said: "It's just a typical type of suburban area.  It's just a really nice place to live.

"It's an absolute shock that this has happened on our doorstep.