Showjumper, 17, found ‘murdered’ in her home
Suspect who knew victim is arrested hours after body found
A BOY of 17 was being quizzed by police last night over the murder of a schoolgirl.
Detectives arrested the teenager after the discovery in a house of the body of Ellie Gould, who had just turned 17.
Ellie, who was a showjumper, was pronounced dead following the arrival of the emergency services at an address believed to be her home in Calne, Wiltshire.
The suspect, who was known to Ellie, was arrested in nearby Chippenham a few hours later on Friday afternoon.
A cordon was in operation around the house last night and a post-mortem examination was being carried out to determine the cause of death.
A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said detectives were making inquiries trying to unravel the circumstances surrounding Ellie’s death.
‘Our thoughts remain with Ellie’s family, her friends and schoolmates,’ said Superintendent Conway Duncan.
‘Ellie’s family will continue to receive support from specially trained officers and we are aware that her fellow pupils are being encouraged to seek support being organised by her school.
‘We fully appreciate the level of shock, anxiety and upset in and around Calne and Chippenham and our officers are continuing to progress their inquiries as swiftly and diligently as possible.
‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank our communities in Calne for the support and patience they have shown our officers as they undertake their inquiries.’
Ellie was a year 12 pupil at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham and she had represented the school at a number of showjumping events. In a statement, the 1,600-pupil school said: ‘The Hardenhuish community is shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ellie Gould.
‘Ellie was a talented, popular and much-loved member of our community who will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with Ellie’s family at this devastating time.
‘We recognise that the coming days and months will be difficult for us all and we are determined to support each other with the help of our partner agencies. Further details of this support will be shared directly with our pupils and parents.’
Ellie’s family, who have asked for privacy, released a picture of the teenager but did not wish to say anything further at this time.
Ellie’s neighbours expressed their shock at the murder.
Sarah Collins said: ‘She had just turned 17 – I think that’s her car in the driveway with L plates on. I saw her practising driving with her dad around here. It’s very sad, and very unsettling.
‘The police said there’s no security risk but I don’t know how they can be sure.’
Sue Borley, whose home is just outside the police cordon, has lived on the street for eight years. She said: ‘It’s desperate, I feel so sorry for the parents. I got back last night and seeing all the police there, I couldn’t settle.’
Calne police tweeted yesterday: ‘All our thoughts are with Ellie’s family, friends and schoolmates at this truly awful time. We continue to have a large presence in the town – please come and speak to us if you need to. Anyone with information is being asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101.’
Last night friends paid tribute to Ellie on social media.
One wrote: ‘RIP Ellie. Had the pleasure of sharing our horsey love with each other when we were younger, thoughts are with your family xx.’
Another said: ‘I cannot believe you are gone Ellie. The most kind and gorgeous girl. Sending so much love to you and your family.’
While a third commented: ‘Ellie was a beautiful girl inside and out, always happy and smiling and so polite. Thoughts go out to the family. RIP Ellie x.’
‘Happy, smiling and polite’