The mother of a seven-year-old girl found dead in a pond at a popular golf course has paid tribute to her ‘gorgeous little daughter’.

Nyla May Bradshaw was discovered at Owston Hall golf course in Doncaster, South Yorkshire yesterday following a huge search and rescue operation. 

Eyewitnesses described a large emergency response, with a police helicopter circling overhead alongside drones, paramedics and an air ambulance.

South Yorkshire Police said Nyla, described as non-verbal and severely autistic, was reported missing at 9.50am – and later pronounced dead, despite the ‘best efforts of paramedics’.

Nyla’s mother, Hayley Beardsley, has now shared a tribute to the tragic young girl – saying she will be ‘loved forever’ and ‘never, ever forgotten’.

In a social media post, Ms Beardsley wrote: ‘It breaks my heart to write this, but today we lost our beautiful daughter Nyla May Bradshaw at just seven years old.

‘She was our whole world full of love, laughter, and the brightest smile that could light up any room. She brought so much joy into our lives and into the lives of everyone who knew her.

Seven year-old Nyla May Bradshaw was found at Owston Hall golf course yesterday 

‘Our sweet little girl will be loved forever and never, ever forgotten.

‘Forever 7 my girl, this isn’t goodbye – it’s an until we meet again. You have family up there who will look after you.’

Family friend Charlotte, who described Nyla as non-verbal and severely autistic, added: ‘She was my best friend’s daughter – our beloved little girl. She was beautiful.

‘Her mother only wants her memory to live on and for everyone see how happy she really was.’

South Yorkshire Police said its officers attended the scene in Doncaster yesterday.

A spokesman added: ‘At 9.50am, a report was made that a child had gone missing in the Skellow area of the city.

‘Officers and additional resources including police drones and the police aircraft were deployed.

‘Following an extensive search, the child was located in a pond on Owston Hall golf course.

Emergency services rushed to Owston Hall golf course in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, after a child’s body was discovered in a pond

South Yorkshire Police has launched a major investigation into the child’s death

‘Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services colleagues, they were pronounced deceased.

‘The child’s family has been informed and is being supported by our officers.

‘The thoughts of everybody at SYP are with them at this devastating time.’

The golf course spans around 80 acres and includes water features as part of its design.

Anyone with information has been asked to call 101 quoting incident number 198 of March 30.