Death of Ukrainian teenager found on Devon beach being treated as 'unexplained', police say

Police are appealing for the public's help, after a 14-year-old Ukrainian national died after being found unconscious on a beach in South Devon.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they were called to reports of a missing teenager from the Dawlish area on Saturday. The force carried out localised searches with the support of a police helicopter and the coastguard, before finding the unconscious teen on a beach in the town.

The girl was airlifted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where she later died. Police say formal identification has now taken place, and her next-of-kin have been informed.

Detective Inspector Becky Davies said: “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 inquiries continue as to the circumstances surrounding this death," she said. Police are asking anyone with CCTV or doorbell footage that could assist the investigation to come forward.