Ukrainian girl, 14, dies after being found unconscious on a beach in south Devon

A teenage Ukrainian refugee has died after being found unconscious on a beach in south Devon.

Devon and Cornwall Police were called to reports of a missing 14-year-old from the Dawlish area on Saturday 4 March.

Searches by police and the coastguard found an unconscious person on Dawlish Beach.

The person, later identified as a 14-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was airlifted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where she died.

She had moved to the Dawlish area with her mother after fleeing their home country.

The teenager's death is currently being treated by police as unexplained, as investigations continue.

Detective Inspector Becky Davies said: “We were called on the evening of Saturday 4 March with reports of a 14-year-old girl missing from the Dawlish area.

“Localised searches took place with support from the police helicopter and coastguard and an unconscious person was found on Dawlish Beach.

“She was subsequently airlifted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where she later sadly died. Formal identification has taken place and next of kin have been informed.”

DI Davies added: “The deceased girl was a Ukrainian national who was living in the Dawlish area; contact has been made with the Ukrainian Embassy and The Home Office are also aware of this incident.

“This death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries continue as to the circumstances surrounding this death. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the teenage girl at this tragic time.”

“Anyone with any information or who may have CCTV / doorbell footage that can assist officers with the investigation is asked to contact 101@dc.police.uk quoting case reference 50230052081.”