Family of stabbed girl say she was 'full of life'

The family of a nine-year-old girl who died from a stab wound earlier this week have paid tribute to her "lively and bubbly" personality.

Aria Thorpe was found dead at a house in Lime Close, Weston-super-Mare, on Monday evening. A 15-year-old boy arrested a short distance away has been charged with her murder.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court earlier.

The head of the trust which runs Aria's school said pupils and staff were "devastated" at the news of her death.

Flanked by three dock officers in the courtroom and wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit, the teenager - who was arrested in Worle on Monday - was remanded into custody by District Judge Nicholas Wattam.

He spoke only to confirm his name and address, and was told his next court appearance would be at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

In Weston-super-Mare, dozens of bouquets of flowers were left in Lime Close as local people paid their respects to Aria.

A close family member told BBC News: "Aria was a lively and bubbly nine-year-old who was so full of life.

"She loved teaching dogs new tricks and adored country music. Her favourite song was Jolene by Dolly Parton."

Police said a post-mortem examination had found her preliminary cause of death was a single stab wound.

Supt Jen Appleford said it was "impossible to adequately describe how traumatic the past 36 hours have been" for Aria's family.

"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," she added.

She said officers were working with schools across the area to make sure those affected were being supported, adding: "We are grateful to local residents for the patience shown while we have been carrying out enquiries in the area."

Neighbours said they felt "shocked" and "horrified" by what had happened.

A police cordon has been in place around Lime Close since Monday, with forensics teams working at the scene as officers carry out house-to-house inquiries.

In a statement on Wednesday, Simon Marriott, chief executive of the Kaleidoscope Multi-Academy Trust, said: "Our school and trust community are devastated and upset by the news of the tragic death of one of our pupils, Aria Thorpe.

"We are working with professional agencies to ensure that support is provided to our children, staff and families as they come to terms with what has happened.

"Our thoughts are with Aria's family at this very difficult time."

The town's MP, Dan Aldridge, described Aria's death as an "utterly heartbreaking tragedy for the family and her loved ones".

"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," he said, adding there was no indication of any wider threat to the public.

On social media, Lee Hutchinson - chairman of local rugby team Hornets RFC - said the team was "deeply saddened by the tragedy".

"To lose a young life is heartbreaking, and the impact is felt across our whole area.

"We send our love and strength to her family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time," he wrote.

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, who oversees children's services at North Somerset Council, said she had been "shocked and deeply saddened" by the news.

She thanked emergency services and said "the pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances is unimaginable".