Calne murder: Ellie Gould named as 17-year-old girl killed in Wiltshire

Tributes paid to ‘talented, popular and much-loved’ year 12 pupil found dead on Friday

A teenage girl killed in the Wiltshire town of Calne on Friday has been named as 17-year-old Ellie Gould.

The year 12 pupil at Hardenhuish School was pronounced dead after emergency services were called to a house in Springfield Drive at 3.15pm on Friday.

Wiltshire Police arrested a 17-year-old boy, who was known to Ms Gould, in the nearby town of Chippenham later that afternoon on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.

As the force released a picture of the victim chosen by her family, a spokesperson said the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death continues.

Superintendent Conway Duncan said: “Our thoughts remain with Ellie’s family, her friends and schoolmates. Ellie’s family will continue to receive support from specially trained officers and we are aware that her fellow pupils are being encouraged to seek support being organised by Hardenhuish School.

Ellie Gould (Wiltshire Police)

“We fully appreciate the level of shock, anxiety and upset in and around Calne and Chippenham and our officers are continuing to progress their inquiries as swiftly and diligently as possible.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our communities in Calne for the support and patience they have shown our officers as they undertake their inquiries.”

In a statement, Hardenhuish School said: “The Hardenhuish community is shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ellie Gould.

“Ellie was a talented, popular and much-loved member of our school community who will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with Ellie’s family at this devastating time.

“We recognise that the coming days and months will be difficult for us all and we are determined to support each other with the help of our partner agencies. Further details of this support will be shared directly with our pupils and parents.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting log number 176 on May 3.