A 15-YEAR-old girl has been charged with the murder of seven-year-old Katie Rough in York.

Katie was found with life-threatening injuries in a field close to her home in the Woodthrope area of York city at about 4.30pm on Monday. She was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

A 15-year-old girl was arrested in connection with the child’s death yesterday. Police have now confirmed that she had been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

She was due to appear before York Magistrates Court this morning.

The Guardian reports pupils at Westfield Primary School, where the seven-year-old was a pupil, are being offered emotional support. Headteacher Tracey Ralph described her as a “kind and thoughtful child” who showed a particular talent for creative writing.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses in the area to contact them. They said the girl’s family are “devastated by this tragic event”.

Read: Family say they are ‘devastated’ following death of girl (7) in York>