The heartbroken family of a « sassy, fun-loving » nine-year-old girl stabbed to death at home have shared pictures of the schoolgirl. Aria Thorpe was found dead in Weston-super-Mare on Monday night, with police confirming she sustained a single stab wound. A 15-year-old boy was subsequently arrested and charged with murder, officers added.
The young girl’s family have now shared photos of her – one of her in a pink dress and tiara, and another of her wearing Minnie Mouse ears. Aria celebrated her ninth birthday just two weeks ago, marking the occasion with a KPop Demon Hunters-themed party.
Friends have described her as a « sassy, fun-loving girl » who enjoyed dressing up.
Family friend and neighbour Tamara Taylor said her daughter Mollie was « best friends with Aria ».
She said: « Aria was a sassy little girl who loved dressing up and putting on make-up. Mollie and Aria did everything together away from school, and it’s just so heartbreaking what has happened.
« Aria was always around here playing with Mollie. They were inseparable. I don’t know how we’re going to break it to her that she won’t see her again. »
The teenager charged with Aria’s murder appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court today for a hearing. He has been remanded in youth detention accommodation before his hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
Superintendent Jen Appleford said: « This remains an incredibly difficult time for Aria’s family, who we continue to support and update around our investigation.
« It is impossible to adequately describe how traumatic the past 36 hours have been for them and we’d like to reiterate in the strongest possible terms their request for privacy.
« The tragic loss of such a young girl has caused a huge amount of shock and upset, with there being a profound sense of loss felt throughout the community.
« We are working closely with partner agencies and schools across the Weston area to make sure those affected receive access to any support they need. »
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