Detectives from Wiltshire Police’s Major Crime Investigation’s Team have today (06/05) charged a teenager with the murder of Eleanor Gould.
The 17-year-old male from the Calne area has been charged with murder and has been remanded in custody.
He is due before Salisbury Magistrates’ Court tomorrow - Tuesday 7 May 2019.
He cannot be named for legal reasons.
We would like to thank the local community for their help and support so far.
Inspector Don Pocock said: "I would like to again thank the communities of Calne and Chippenham for the support and patience they have shown so far to our officers as they have carried out enquiries as part of this murder investigation. A case like this takes time and will understandably have an impact on the local community - so thank you for your help and understanding.
"Over the past few days people living in Calne and Chippenham would have seen an increased police presence which I appreciate can add more anxiety and upset to what is already a tragic situation. However, I want to reassure everyone that the officers and detectives involved have been working hard to carry out their duties as swiftly as possible to minimise the impact on those living and working here.
"I am hoping their presence will continue to provide some reassurance to the local community. I would urge anyone who wishes to discuss anything of concern or has any information in relation to this case to speak to any officer as they patrol the area or visit our mobile police station currently based in Calne town centre. You can also call 101 if you prefer.
"Of course, our thoughts continue to remain with Ellie’s family, friends and schoolmates at this very difficult time.
“Ellie’s family will continue to be supported by specialist police officers and her fellow pupils are being offered support arranged by Hardenhuish School.
"Inevitably there has been a lot of interest and discussion into this case on social media and the like; however, now that a person has been charged and court proceedings have started please be mindful not to speculate or comment publicly on anything to do with the investigation."
Lisa Percy, Headteacher of Hardenhuish School, said: "I would like to thank everyone for all of the messages of support that we have received from past, present and future parents, colleagues and other members of the community.
"We would like to express our thanks to all partner agencies who have supported us too.
"The students, staff and parents have found comfort in being together and paying their respects to Ellie and our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this time."
Floral tributes continue to be placed both at the Calne home of Ellie Gould and at her school in Chippenham today as the community struggles to come to grips with the events of the past few days.
Ellie's body was discovered by ambulance crews who called the police to the scene at approximately 3.15pm on Friday. A short time later police arrested a 17-year-old in connection with her murder.
Ellie's parents, Matthew and Carole Gould and brother Ben, 19, have asked for privacy, they released a photograph of Ellie but did not wish to say anything further at this time. Matthew and Carole own a kitchen fitting business, Home Inspirations based in Devizes.
Ellie was a year 12 pupil at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham and she had represented the school at a number of showjumping events. A member of staff remained at the gates of the school today alongside a police presence.
Friends have been visiting the school to lay flowers in her memory. A statement released from the 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 school 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.
Back in Calne, St Mary's Church opened it's doors to the community, a post on social media read:
After the devastating news of the death of Ellie Gould on Friday, St Mary’s Church will be open for people to light a candle and pray for Ellie and her family and friends.
The church will be open from 10am until 5pm today (Bank Holiday Monday).
