Police and authorities have announced an urgent inquiry into the death of a 16-year-old girl who was found dead in a squalid squat in Swindon.

Kate Walsh was reported missing by her parents two days after Christmas and her body was found on January 4 in a derelict house. It is suspected she died of a drug overdose.

Her parents Debbie and Anthony Walsh from Highworth, Swindon, said they approached police and social services to help their daughter beat drugs, but were told no-one could help because she was 16.

Members of Swindon Social Services, Swindon Primary Care Trust, Education and Police met this week and have now agreed a Serious Case Review will be held.

The review, establishing the sequence of events, will be conducted in accordance with the Department of Health Guidelines and will be completed within four months.

Supt. Kevin Maidment, Head of Community Safety & Criminal Justice for Wiltshire Constabulary said: 'I think the death of anyone is sad, but the death of a young person is particularly tragic, especially in the circumstances in which Kate Walsh died.

'They will identify what could have been done differently and the lessons to be learnt. It's not about apportioning blame but if, as part of the process, the agencies can address any shortcomings they will.'

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