A GIRL aged 12 has been questioned over the “sudden and unexplained” death of an 11-year-old girl, police said yesterday. The suspect, who has not been named, was arrested on suspicion of assault after Alisa Haywood died from acute swelling of the brain. The condition can be caused by a knock to the head.

Alisa, of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, was taken by ambulance to Wycombe General Hospital at 5am on Friday. She died at the hospital later that morning.

A Thames Valley police spokesman said officers were keeping an open mind over the death until further forensic test results were received. But they believe it may be linked to an alleged attack in a local shopping centre or on a school bus on Wednesday last week, two days before Alisa died.

Police have issued an appeal for information over the incident which is alleged to have happened either in High Wycombe’s Octagon Shopping Centre between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, or on Alisa’s school bus, the 1A, which left Wye Valley School, Bourne End, at 3.25pm for High Wycombe.

Wye Valley School is a secondary modern which has been given sports college status. In its latest Ofsted report it is said to be “thriving and improving”.

Detective Chief Inspector Karen Trego said: “Until forensic results have been received we do not know if the alleged assault had any bearing on Alisa’s death. However, we are keen to hear if anyone saw a group of girls around Alisa’s age either in or around the Octagon centre or on the bus involved in what may well have looked like a fight.”

Alisa’s mother, Stephanie, described her daughter as a “wonderful” girl from a large extended family and the eldest of four sisters. “She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Alisa enjoyed English and cookery and was a lively, thoughtful girl with a bubbly personality. She enjoyed listening to R&B and Asian music, and loved spending time with her younger sisters at home and helping her mum about the house.”

Linda Melton, the headteacher, said: “Alisa was a quiet, shy little girl who always looked immaculate. The school sends its deepest sympathy to Alisa’s family and friends.”

The school added that it was giving police “all assistance” with the investigation and offering staff and students support.

Richard Hulett, the Buckinghamshire coroner, Richard Hulett, has been informed but an inquest has not yet been opened. Police arrested the 12-year-old girl on Saturday morning on suspicion of assault. She was interviewed and released on bail pending results of further forensic tests.

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