A five-year-old child who went missing from their home in the village of Badsey, Worcestershire, has been found dead in a body of water. The child was declared deceased at the scene on the evening of July 30, 2026, after a large-scale search by locals and emergency services.
Search and discovery
Dozens of residents formed search parties after an alert was posted on Facebook, reading: 'A neighbour's 5-year-old daughter has gone missing from their home. Please keep an eye out for a little girl who's 5 in a pink top.' The child's body was located in a stretch of water hours later.
West Mercia Police confirmed they were called to the report of a missing child in Badsey on the evening of July 30. A spokesperson said: 'Sadly, the child was found unresponsive in a body of water, and a short time later was pronounced dead. There is no third-party involvement in the child's death, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.'
Community reaction
The village butcher expressed the community's shock on Facebook: 'Today has left our whole community shocked and deeply saddened. Our hearts go out to a local family facing an unimaginable loss, along with everyone who knows and loves them. There are simply no words that can ease a heartbreak like this, but we hope they know the entire village is thinking of them.' The post added that no further content would be shared for the rest of the week as a mark of respect.
Another local urged: 'Police advised to respect the family at this time, speculation to stop. Search has ended. Praying for our neighbours, this community came together.'
Emergency response
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 6:50 pm and dispatched an ambulance, two paramedic officers, and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car. A spokesperson said: 'On arrival we discovered one patient, a young child. Ambulance staff and police worked quickly to treat the patient, but sadly, it became apparent nothing could be done to save them and they were confirmed dead at the scene.'
Police have asked the public to avoid speculation online, stating it is 'incredibly distressing to the family' and requesting privacy at this difficult time.
