Tributes have been paid to a nine-year-old girl who was found fatally stabbed. Emergency services were called to a house in Lime Close, in the Mead Vale neighbourhood of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, at around 6pm on Monday.
A boy was arrested on suspicion of murder about 20 minutes later outside Worle train station, which is less than half a mile from the scene. The girl has been named locally as Aria, who just two weeks ago was celebrating her ninth birthday with a KPop Demon Hunters-themed party. On the night before the youngster died, she was talking excitedly about her Christmas wish list with a best friend.
Jordan Hull, Aria’s uncle, posted on Facebook yesterday: « Please can everyone give myself and my family time to grieve the sudden loss of my niece Aria. This was a sudden tragedy and my family are going through extreme pain right now. »
Aria lived in a three-bedroom house with her hairdresser mum, Victoria Hull, 36, according to the Mirror. A friend, Nadia, told followers on Facebook that Ms Hull had « some devastating news » and her salon, Lucky Streaks, would be closed until further notice.
The message added: « We are all heartbroken and ask you to be respectful at this time. »
The mother of a girl said to be a close friend of Aria’s paid an emotional tribute to her. Tamara Taylor, 40, sobbed as she said: « Aria was a lovely little girl, sassy for her age. She loved dressing up and doing what little girls do.
« She and my daughter were best friends, they were always playing together and would be in each other’s houses every night. Mollie knew something happened in Aria’s house last night and we sent her to her grandmother’s to keep her away.
« I’m dreading telling her when she comes home from school later. How do you tell an eight-year-old girl that her best friend has been killed in a suspected murder? »
Mrs Taylor said it was only two weeks ago that her daughter went to Aria’s KPop party. She added: « I just can’t believe it. You hear about these things and then suddenly it’s on your own doorstep. »
Well-wishers have been leaving tributes at the scene. A young girl, who was visibly emotional, laid a bouquet of flowers at the scene with a note that said: « Aria, thank you for playing with me. Lots of love to you, your sister and mum ».
Margaret Jones, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said: « The chances are that I would have seen her playing out, because a lot of the children round here play out here, it’s a horrible thought. It saddens me… I find it sad that I may have spoken to her and known her. »
An investigation by officers from Avon and Somerset Constabulary continues. Supt Jen Appleford said previously: « We know the whole of Weston-super-Mare will be distraught and shocked to learn of this utterly dreadful news…
« It is impossible for us to adequately put into words the pain and anguish they are feeling right now. Our heartfelt condolences go out to them, and we’ll ensure they receive support from a specially trained officer.
« A criminal investigation is already well underway to establish the facts of this case. The formal identification process has not yet been completed, and a post-mortem examination will also be conducted. »
She urged people not to speculate on the circumstances, or the identities of those involved, because that will only add to the family’s enormous distress.
Dan Aldridge, Labour MP for Weston-super-Mare, said in a statement posted on Facebook: « The death of a nine-year-old girl in Worle is devastating, an utterly heart-breaking tragedy for the family and her loved ones. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and everyone who knew her at this unimaginably difficult time.
« Nothing any of us can say will make this any easier for the family, but I know the relevant authorities are supporting them. Also, my office and I are here to support the family however they might need.
« This is a moment that will understandably shock and sadden us all, and I know many in our town will be grieving, anxious, and seeking answers. I urge everyone to respect the family’s privacy and avoid speculation while the police carry out their enquiries. »
He said the police have assured the community there was no indication of an ongoing risk to public safety and increased patrols were in place to provide reassurance.
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