Family of stabbed school girl 'utterly devastated' by her death

A 51-year old relative has been arrested on suspicion of murder

11-year old Jasmine died after being found with multiple injuries (West Midlands Police, photo provided by family )

The father of an 11-year-old schoolgirl who was stabbed to death has said: "We are utterly devastated."

Detectives are quizzing a 51-year-old relative of Jasmine Forrester over her alleged murder.

She "lost her fight for life" in hospital on Friday afternoon after she was found seriously injured at a property in Wolverhampton, West Midlands Police said.

Jasmine's father, Simeon Forrester, said: "This is a hugely tragic time for our family and the loss we feel is unexplainable. We are utterly devastated.

"Jasmine was a shining star and a huge part of us. We would really like to be left alone at this time while we come to terms with what has happened."

The youngster was found just before 1am with injuries including a serious head wound.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be held on Sunday.

A woman in her 80s also suffered a dislocated shoulder during the incident in Kent Road and was treated in hospital.

The house remains cordoned off to allow forensic experts to conduct an examination, police said.

Superintendent Harvi Khatkar said: "This is an extremely distressing incident and our sympathies go out to everyone affected.

"We are working to establish exactly what has happened, and fully understand the impact that this will have on the community.

"But we do believe this is an isolated incident, and we are not looking for anyone else."

A neighbour said: "All we know is what the police have said. I had seen a girl go in and out of the house and she was always smiling.

"It's just a terrible thing to happen."

Press Association