Family share pictures of ‘lively and bubbly’ young girl, 9, who died in stabbing
A nine-year-old girl who died from stab wounds has been photographed as her family pay tribute to the “vibrant and cheerful” schoolgirl.
Aria Thorpe was pronounced dead at a house in Weston-super-Mare on Monday evening after police responded to her residence.
Shortly after officers arrived, a teenage boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested and later charged with the girl’s murder.
He appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where he was remanded to a youth detention home to reappear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
At Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare, where Aria died, floral tributes have been removed as beachgoers try to come to terms with the tragedy.
Speaking to the BBC“Aria was a very lively, lively and cheerful nine-year-old,” said a close family member. They added that he enjoys listening to country music and teaching dogs new tricks.
At the school Aria attended, bosses were working with professional organizations to provide support for children and staff.
Simon Marriott, chief executive of Kaleidscope Multi-Academy Trust, said: “Our school and trust community are devastated and saddened by the news of the tragic death of one of our students, Aria Thorpe.”
Dan Aldridge, Labor MP for Weston-super-Mare, said Aria’s death was “an incredibly heartbreaking tragedy for the family and loved ones”.
He said: “This is a moment that will understandably shock and upset us all and I know many in our town will be grieving, concerned and seeking answers. I would urge everyone to respect the family’s privacy and avoid speculation while police conduct their investigation.”
Catherine Gibbons, deputy leader of North Somerset Council, said: “On behalf of everyone at North Somerset Council, I offer our sincerest condolences to Aria’s family, friends and the school community. “The pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances is unimaginable.
“We are working closely with partner organisations, including schools in the Weston-super-Mare area, to ensure those affected can access the support and advice they need.”
On Wednesday, Superintendent Jen Appleford asked for privacy for Aria’s family. The police force said an autopsy found the woman’s initial cause of death was a single stab wound.
Supt Appleford said: “The tragic loss of such a young girl has caused great shock and sadness, with a deep sense of loss felt throughout the community. We are working closely with partner organizations and schools in the Weston area to ensure those affected can access any support they need.”
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