Written by Staff Writer, CNN
Police are investigating a murder after a 12-year-old girl was attacked in Liverpool city center.
Alex Smith suffered a fatal head injury in an assault outside Newport bus station in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Both the boy and girl are believed to be local residents of the Merseyside city and it is understood that both are cousins.
Greater Manchester Police, who are leading the investigation, released a photo of the pair and described the incident as “totally unprovoked.”
Speaking to reporters at the scene, Detective Superintendent Steve Carter described the circumstances of the attack as “appalling.”
“The medical evidence is such that it appears that she has died as a result of a number of injuries. The injuries are consistent with a single punch or punch and a kick.
“We have immediately commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the assault and there will be a significant police presence in the area as we establish exactly what has occurred,” he added.
The pair is currently being held at a school in Liverpool.