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The sisters of a girl involved in a murder investigation in the Cotswolds reportedly ran to a neighbor for assistance, according to local residents.
The neighbor was the first person on the scene and is believed to have called the authorities.
A local stated that the girl's two siblings sought help from a neighbor.Credit: LNP
Murder squad detectives are actively investigating the girl's death on Tuesday.Credit: SWNS
The family is not believed to have interacted much with other villagers.Credit: SWNS
Murder squad detectives are continuing to investigate the girl's death on Tuesday in the picturesque village of Islip, located near Oxford.
A local indicated that the girl's two siblings went to a neighbor for assistance.
“The girls ran to her for help. She was the one who called the police,” they added.
“It’s just awful. They’re [the neighbor] traumatized.”
The family, believed to consist of a mother and her three daughters, reportedly moved into the rented cottage approximately two years ago.
Authorities have not disclosed the child's age but have stated that the incident was "contained." They have not confirmed if any arrests were made.
The property’s owner, landlord Philip King, expressed that they had “no idea” about what had occurred.
He stated, “We hardly knew the family. It’s rented through an agent, and we intentionally kept matters with the agent.
“We’re reading the newspaper to learn what is happening. The police did contact us, but we can’t comment further.”
It is believed that the children were educated five miles away rather than attending the local village school, which has only 100 pupils.
Residents expressed their shock regarding the investigation.
One villager remarked: “They were a busy young family, always working.
“It’s terribly sad; I can’t imagine what must have happened.”
Another added: “It was heartbreaking for the neighbors who knew them well.”
Mum-of-two Vicky Preston, 50, stated, “I’ve lived here for 15 years. Nothing like this has ever happened. It’s an absolute tragedy.
“Of course, my heart goes out to the family and friends who knew her.
It’s just tragic.”
Another neighbor shared, “I was working from home and could hear all the sirens and a helicopter; in the worst-case scenario, I thought it must have been a car accident.
“I genuinely feel for the family of the little girl and the property owners.”
The family is not believed to have mingled with other villagers.
One resident remarked, “I know everyone around here, but they didn’t socialize with the people in Islip.
“It’s very sad and shocking that something like this has occurred so close to home.”
A 73-year-old neighbor added, “I didn’t even know someone was living in that house.”
Thames Valley Police confirmed they have initiated a “homicide” investigation after the girl was found deceased at the property on Tuesday. They have not disclosed her age.
A group of local builders reported seeing “eight or nine” police cars and several ambulances at the property around lunchtime on Tuesday.
Flight records indicated that the Thames Valley Air Ambulance helicopter landed in the village around midday.
DCI Sally Spencer stated, “We have launched a homicide investigation, but we are still in the early stages and will provide more details as soon as we can.
“We understand this investigation may cause concern within the community, but we believe this incident to be contained and are not aware of any threat to the wider public at this time.”
The girl’s family is receiving support from specially trained officers.
A police cordon remained in place on Thursday, and residents have been informed to expect an increased police presence in the area as inquiries continue.
Local councillors Gemma Coton, Alisa Russell, and Julian Nedelcu released a joint statement saying, “This is heartbreaking news for the residents of the village, and our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy.”
