Lauren death 'violent and brutal'

Lauren's body was found in woodland by her grandfather

Police investigating the murder of a schoolgirl in a woodland said the attack on the 10-year-old was brutal and violent.

Lauren Pilkington-Smith, 10, was found near her home on Twist Lane in Leigh, Greater Manchester, on Friday morning.

Detectives have said that Lauren was last seen near her home with two boys.

Police said they also wanted to speak to the driver of a large gold-coloured saloon car, who may have been walking a dog nearby.

Three people have been arrested and questioned about Lauren's death, but all have been released without charge.

The schoolgirl's body was found in a wooded area by Sanderson Street, 200 yards (183m) from her home and close to the banks of the Bridgewater Canal.

We will not rest until we catch the person or people responsible for Lauren's death Supt Shaun Currie GMP

She died from multiple blows to her head.

Supt Shaun Currie, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said: "What we are dealing with is a violent and brutal attack on an innocent 10-year-old girl.

"It is likely that whoever did this would have had blood on them.

"We want people to think back to last week and the evening of Thursday 7 July. Did you see someone with blood on their clothing or body?

"It must be remembered that these types of incidents are very rare, but I would like to reassure the people of Leigh and Greater Manchester that detectives are working day and night on this investigation.

"We will not rest until we catch the person or people responsible for Lauren's death."

Floral tributes have been laid near to where Lauren was found

On Thursday afternoon, Lauren was playing cricket around Sanderson Street and Pilling Street, from about 1630 BST onwards.

Police say she called home regularly and was last seen at her house just after 1900 BST.

The last reported sighting of Lauren is with two boys at about 2020 BST on Sanderson Street.

One was white, aged about nine or 10. The other was white, aged about 14 or 15 and may have been wearing a hooded top or cap.

Police said one of the boys was swinging on a height restriction barrier on Sanderson Street.

A man in a gold-coloured car may also have information, police said. It is believed he had fishing equipment in his car and was walking a dog.