An 11-year-old girl has died after being found in a river at a woodland park in Midlothian, following a search operation triggered by concerns for her welfare. Police Scotland confirmed the schoolgirl was located in the Gore Water near Shanks Bridge at approximately 4:25pm on Thursday, August 6, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Search and discovery
Emergency services were alerted to the situation around 12:40pm on Thursday, August 6, after reports of concern for a young girl in Gore Glen Woodland Park, near Gorebridge. A coordinated search was launched, involving police and other emergency responders, which ultimately led to the tragic discovery in the river.
The girl's family have been informed and are being supported by police officers. The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police statement
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We were made aware of concern for an 11-year-old girl in the Gore Glen area, near Gorebridge, around 12.40pm on Thursday, August 6. The body of the girl was found in the Gore Water near Shanks Bridge around 4.25pm. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and her family are aware. Her death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.'
Location and community impact
Gore Glen Woodland Park is a popular beauty spot, with a small river running through it and offering views of the Pentland Hills to the south of Edinburgh. The park is a local recreational area, and the incident has understandably shocked the community. Local authorities have not released further details about the girl's identity, respecting the family's privacy during this difficult time.
This tragic event has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from local residents and officials, with many expressing their condolences to the family. The investigation continues, with police appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
