The death of a teenage girl in Portadown is being investigated by the PSNI.
The 15-year-old died in the Corcrain area of the town, in a wooded area, on Saturday.
Police are investigating the circumstances.
The news has devastated the local community.
Doug Beattie MC MLA, the Ulster Unionist Westminster candidate for Upper Bann, has expressed his shock and sadness.
“The tragic death of a young teenage girl in the Corcrain woodland area of Portadown on Saturday evening, has devastated the local community,” he said. “Local people are shocked that something so awful could happen in their community.
“This is a terrible tragedy for the young girl, her family and friends and the community at large.
“I know that the area where this tragedy happened is an area where strenuous efforts have been made to bring about regeneration and provide facilities for young people, following the closure of the community centre.
“I would particularly commend the efforts of Campbell Best and the outreach team from Y-Zone, who have been working to regenerate the woodlands and create a space which the local community can be proud of.
“Saturday evening’s tragedy indicates just how badly needed these efforts are.”
Local Ulster Unionist Councillor Julie Flaherty also expressed her condolences to the teenager’s family.
She said: “I am so saddened to hear that a young girl, only 15 with her whole life ahead of her, has lost her life last night.
“As someone who lost a child myself, I know only too well the pain that this family will be facing. My thoughts and prayers are with them today.
“The whole community will be devastated by this.
“They will be shocked that this could happen in an area which they are trying so hard to care for and provide a safe environment for all to enjoy.”
She said she and Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie MC had recently attended an event the community held to celebrate the great work young people were doing to regenerate this beautiful area.
And Councillor Flaherty added: “We all need to focus our minds on the young people of our Borough, this will be a shock for them too. Please be careful out there, look out for your friends.”
The PSNI is investigating the circumstances.
Councillor Flaherty urged anyone with any information to contact them on 101.
