The discovery of a body and an injured young girl has sparked a major police investigation and shut down a busy stretch of Albany Highway during Perth’s morning peak.
St John WA sent two ambulance crews, including a specialist paramedic, to the scene in Cannington after reports of an injured child about 6.25am.
When police arrived, officers found a deceased person and an injured girl nearby.
The girl, understood to be under 15, was rushed to Perth Children’s Hospital under lights and sirens. A hospital spokesperson said she was in a stable condition.
Police have taken a third person into custody who is assisting detectives with their inquiries.
WA's biggest courts and crime stories to your inbox
Sign-up to our weekly newsletter for free
Sign up
Northbound Albany Highway has been closed between Manning Road and Hamilton Street while police examine the scene.
A police spokesperson said investigators were still working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and why multiple locations had been cordoned off.
Police stressed there were no ongoing concerns for public safety.
Drivers are being diverted via the left-turn lane onto Manning Road, with Main Roads incident response crews assisting police.
Traffic is heavy through the area and motorists are being urged to avoid the area and seek an alternate route.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 18000 333 000 or make a report online here.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails