POLICE have ruled the sudden death of a 13-year-old girl as "unexplained" after she "took ill" the night before.

The teen died in the early hours of Monday morning in Rainhill, Merseyside.

Merseyside Police said they had been called to the home just before midnight on Sunday, December 2.

They said: "Police and paramedics were called to an address on Sandon Close, to reports of a 13-year-old girl being taken ill.

"The girl was removed by ambulance to hospital where she was sadly pronounced deceased at 1.20am."

Authorities have since conducted an autopsy, ruling her death was "unexplained".

A spokesperson said: "Merseyside Police can confirm that a Post Mortem has been conducted after the sudden death of a 13-year-old girl in Rainhill in the early hours of Monday 3 December.

"The cause of her death remains unexplained pending forensic analysis and the investigation is ongoing.

"The scene has now been closed and the family is being supported by officers and other partners."

A police van was seen outside the home after the tragedy.

Police had earlier confirmed that a post mortem would involve toxicology and other medical reports.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police social media desk @merpolCC or you can call 101 with reference 1163 of 2 December.