The horrific discovery of two dead teenage girls has rocked the city of Jaen.
A major investigation is underway after the 15 and 16 year old were found in Concordia Park (formerly Victoria Park) at around 1.30am on Saturday.
The 112 emergency service received a call reporting two people ‘lying unresponsive’ on the ground.
The incident was initially flagged as a ‘possible suicide’, a hypothesis being studied by investigators.
Paramedics were rushed to the scene but could do nothing for the girls but confirm their deaths.
After securing the area, the case was placed under ‘secreto de sumario’, meaning no further details will be released until the judge authorises it.
Sources close to the inquiry told local media that a first visual inspection found no signs of external violence on the girls.
They added that although the investigation remains open, at this stage the involvement of third parties appears unlikely.
The Government’s representative in Jaen, Manuel Fernandez, confirmed that the judicial police had taken charge of the case and urged caution over speculation.
He said: ‘We ask for the utmost respect for the deceased minors and their families, to whom we express our deepest condolences in these extraordinarily difficult moments.’
The Partido Popular at Jaen City Hall expressed its ‘profound shock’ and requested an official period of mourning, offering condolences to the families.
Shortly afterwards, the Ayuntamiento confirmed three days of official mourning, starting on Saturday night and running until Tuesday, December 2.
Flags at the main municipal building will fly at half-mast.
A minute of silence will be held at 12pm on Monday outside the Town Hall.
Mayor Julio Millan offered condolences on behalf of the municipal corporation and appealed for space for investigators to work.
He stressed that, based on current indications, no third-party involvement is suspected, and asked that speculation be avoided to prevent adding to the families’ suffering.
If you are affected by this story, support is available. In the UK, call Samaritans on 116 123. In Spain, the national suicide prevention helpline is 024.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
