Three people, including two minors, have been arrested in connection with the death of a 14-year old girl from Almelo, whose body was found in a ditch on the edge of an industrial estate on Sunday evening.

Two people from nearby Wierden and Almelo in the far east of the country were arrested on Monday and the third suspect was picked up on Tuesday, police said.

Police have so far declined to comment on the relationship between the girl, named as Lotte, and the three suspects and the cause of death has not been revealed.

Almelo mayor Arjen Gerritsen said the death has had a major impact on the town. ‘This is every parent’s worst nightmare,’ he said. ‘My thoughts go out to this young girl’s family and I wish them every strength to deal with this terrible sadness.’

Update: RTV Oost said later on Tuesday that a father and two sons had been arrested in connection with the death and that one of the boys had a fight with the girl ‘which got out of hand’.