POLICE are conducting door to door inquiries in Dawlish today, Monday, following the death of a 14-year-old Ukrainian girl at the weekend.

A search involving police helicopter and the coastguards was launched after the girl was reported missing on Saturday.

The girl was found unconscious on the beach and airlifted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where sadly, she later died.

In an update shortly before 3pm today, police have confirmed she and her mum are Ukrainian refugees.

They said a forensic Post Mortem is due on Thursday but this is weather dependent.

The girl’s name will not be released today, Monday.

A police spokesperson added: ‘This death remains unexplained at this time, therefore we are not holding a press conference.

‘Officers remain in Dawlish and are undertaking house-to-house inquiries and attempting to secure any CCTV / doorbell footage that could be available.’

Earlier 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.’

Following the announcement by police earlier today Dawlish Town council has paid a special tribute here.

Anyone with any information or who may have CCTV/ doorbell footage that can assist officers with the investigation is asked tocontact[email protected]quoting case reference 50230052081.