A nine-year-old girl has been murdered in her home in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, just ten days before Christmas, leaving her family in what they describe as "extreme pain".
A Tragic Evening in Mead Vale
Police were called to a property on a quiet street in the Mead Vale area shortly after 6pm on Monday, 15 December, following reports from paramedics. Despite desperate efforts by South West Ambulance Service medics, who performed CPR at the scene, the child was pronounced dead. The first police officer arrived at 6.09pm.
The victim has been named locally as Aria, who had only recently celebrated her ninth birthday. A teenage boy was arrested approximately 15 minutes later and less than half a mile away, outside Worle railway station. He remains in police custody on suspicion of murder.
A "Lovely Little Girl" Full of Life
Aria is remembered by those who knew her as a vibrant and happy child. Her uncle, Jordan Hull, appealed for privacy on social media, stating the family was grieving a "sudden tragedy".
Just two weeks prior to her death, Aria had celebrated her ninth birthday with a Kpop Demon Hunters-themed party. The night before the attack, she had been excitedly discussing her Christmas wish list with her best friend, Mollie Taylor.
Tamara Taylor, Mollie's mother, described Aria as a "lovely little girl, sassy for her age" who loved dressing up. The two girls were constant companions, playing together daily and attending the same after-school dance class on the day of the tragedy. "I'm dreading telling her," Mrs Taylor said. "How do you tell an eight-year-old girl that her best friend has been killed?"
Aria lived in a housing association property with her mother, Victoria Hull, 36, a hairdresser. Victoria's salon, Lucky Streaks, has been closed until further notice following the devastating news.
Police Investigation and Community Shock
A major police investigation is underway. Forensic teams have been conducting a detailed examination of the scene, and house-to-house inquiries are being carried out. A police cordon remains in place, and sniffer dogs were deployed to search for a possible weapon.
Superintendent Jen Appleford expressed condolences to the family, acknowledging the "pain and anguish" they are enduring. She stated that a specially-trained officer is supporting them and that a post-mortem examination will be conducted. While reassuring the public that there is no known increased risk to wider safety, she confirmed an increased police presence in the area in the coming days.
The local community has been left reeling. Heartbreaking tributes, including one reading "Aria, thank you for playing with me", have been left near the scene. Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, said he was "shocked and saddened" by the incident.
Police have turned off comments on their official social media updates about the case, stating they are determined to protect the grieving family's privacy during this unimaginably difficult time.
