The family of a nine-year-old girl have released pictures and paid a heartbreaking tribute to their 'lively and bubbly' daughter after she died from a stab wound in Weston-super-Mare.
Community in Shock After Tragic Death
Aria Thorpe was pronounced dead at a house on Lime Close on Monday evening after police were called to the residential address. Shortly after officers arrived, a teenage boy was arrested. The boy, aged 15, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was later charged with Aria's murder.
He appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, where he was remanded into youth detention accommodation. The teenager is scheduled to reappear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
A 'Lively and Bubbly' Girl Full of Life
In a moving tribute shared with the BBC, a close family member remembered Aria as a joyful child. "Aria was a lively and bubbly nine-year-old who was so full of life," they said. The family revealed that she loved listening to country music and enjoyed teaching dogs new tricks.
At the scene of the tragedy on Lime Close, floral tributes have been left by a community struggling to comprehend the loss. The seaside town has been plunged into mourning.
Support Mobilised for Grieving Town
Aria's school and the wider trust community have been left devastated. Simon Marriott, chief executive of the Kaleidoscope Multi-Academy Trust, said they were working with professional agencies to support pupils and staff.
Dan Aldridge, Labour MP for Weston-super-Mare, described the incident as an "utterly heartbreaking tragedy for the family and her loved ones." He urged the public to respect the family's privacy and avoid speculation while police continue their enquiries.
Local authorities have also pledged support. Catherine Gibbons, deputy leader of North Somerset Council, offered the council's sincerest condolences, acknowledging the unimaginable pain of losing a child in such circumstances. The council is working with partner agencies and schools to ensure affected individuals have access to support.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that a post-mortem examination found Aria's preliminary cause of death was a single stab wound. Superintendent Jen Appleford echoed calls for privacy for the grieving family, stating: "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."
