05 March 2024 , 11:36
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A woman was seen "laughing" as she was arrested for the murder of a tragic 10-year-old girl, distraught neighbours have claimed.
The victim – a popular schoolgirl named locally as Shay Kang – was found dead at her home in Rowley Regis, West Midlands, yesterday lunchtime (Monday March 4). Neighbours claimed a woman, believed to be 33, was seen allegedly laughing maniacally as she was led from the terraced property by police officers.
West Midlands Police said the suspect was known to Shay, who is understood to have attended Brickhouse Primary School. It is believed she lived in the house with her mum, Jasmine Kang. Police said Shay suffered “injuries” in the attack and was confirmed dead at the scene. A moving tribute addressed to "Shay" was left at the scene earlier today.
One local on the Brickhouse Estate wrote on Facebook: “People who live nearby, who saw the arrest go down, saw her laughing as she was arrested.” Neighbours said Shay may have been dead in the house for up to two days before police were called. One mum, who lives three doors down, said: “I had seen the little girl out playing last week.
"She seemed a bit shy but just a normal kid. My neighbours say they hadn’t seen her since before the weekend. Lots of people are saying she could have been dead for two days in the house before she was found.”
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Shay Kang, 10, was found dead (unknown)Locals said Shay had not been at school for months. A GoFundMe page has been set up to pay for Shay’s funeral. Local resident Taylor Blake wrote: “She had no family. She didn’t deserve this at all.”
The girl had reportedly been in care until just days before her death, some residents claimed. She had been seen playing with children in the cul-de-sac on Sunday evening, just hours before police called to the property where she was living with her mother. It is thought that teachers at her primary school instigated a welfare check when Shay failed to register at the school.
Local residents are also planning to release balloons in memory of Shay at a playing field opposite her house this afternoon. The Brickhouse head teacher told parents in a message last night: "This is obviously going to be a really difficult time for the children and the local community, as we all come to terms with this devastating news." He added: "I know we are all devastated by this news but I know we will get through this difficult time together."
The child was pronounced dead at the scene (Joseph Walshe / SWNS)
Cuddly toys are among the tributes at the scene (PA)Neighbour Jordan Trueman, 24, told the Daily Mail: "I knew the girl, she often played out in the street. She was playing out there on Sunday night with friends, till about 9pm. The school welfare teachers came round at lunchtime, I guess because she hadn't turned up to class. They looked through the letter box and were shouting 'hello, hello'. Then they must have called the police because the cops turned up soon after."
Stuffed animals and tributes to Shay have been left outside the house she was found in. One tribute read, "Shay. You will be soo missed by everyone", while another said, "Rest easy princess. Romeo, Jess, Ant and Kyren-Lee." A third said, "RIP. Gone too soon."
Local resident Laura Perry, 32, added: "Our neighbour knows the family and said Shay had been in care. She only went back to her mum last week apparently. It's so tragic."
A mum, whose children went to Brickhouse with Shay, told the Mirror: "No-one knew what to say to our kids as we didn't know if they were having an assembly or a talk about it at school, just this message. And we sent them in today as normal. The teachers were visibly upset."
In a statement, Brickhouse Primary School said: “Our school is deeply saddened by the tragic death of one of our children.
“Shay was a bright, happy, fun-loving child who was well liked by all, and she will be very sadly missed by everyone. School is the heart of the community and we have already begun working with our children and staff to support them following this devastating news.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that a person was found dead at an address. They said yesterday: "We were called just after 12pm to an incident at a private address in Rowley Regis. Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene. Upon arrival we found one patient. Unfortunately, it was clear that nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed deceased by ambulance staff at the scene."
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A cordon remains in place (PA)A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We've arrested a woman on suspicion of murder after a ten-year-old girl was discovered dead in Rowley Regis today (4 March). We found the child with injuries at an address in Robin Close at around 12.10pm. She was tragically confirmed dead at the scene. A 33-year-old woman - understood to be known to the girl - has been arrested and taken into custody for questioning. We're in the early stages of our investigation and a cordon has been put in place while our enquiries continue."
Detective Inspector Dan Jarratt said: "A young girl has tragically lost her life and our thoughts are with her loved ones and all those impacted by this terrible passing. We know how shocking and distressing this will be for the community and we'll continue to have a police presence and offer our support in the area over the coming days. A suspect has been arrested and detectives are fully investigating the circumstances around this sad death."