A girl who was ‘murdered by a teen boy’ in a Somerset town has been named by police.
Nine-year-old Aria Thorpe was pronounced dead by paramedics after being stabbed at an address in Weston-super-Mare shortly after 6pm on Monday (15 December).
A short time later a teenage boy was arrested at or near Worle railway station. He is being held in custody on suspicion of murder, having been charged with the offence.
Aria’s family, via Avon and Somerset Police, released two photos of her – including one of her at her recent birthday party. They have not yet issued a tribute.
As police continue their investigations, tributes to Aria have been left at the scene.
“Aria was a lovely little girl, sassy for her age”, her best friend’s mother Tamara Taylor told the Daily Mail.
Sobbing, she added: “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.”
Yesterday, Superintendent Jen Appleford said: “We know the whole of Weston-super-Mare will be distraught and shocked to learn of this utterly dreadful news.
“The girl’s family were informed last night of what had happened. It is impossible for us to adequately put into words the pain and anguish they are feeling right now.
“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.
“Out of respect for the family we’d please ask people not to speculate on the circumstances, or the identities of those involved, because that will only add to their enormous distress.
“We have no doubt the community will come together as one in response to this tragedy.
“Enquiries are being carried out at the property as part of our investigation and we’d ask for people’s patience and understanding while that work is undertaken.
“We will ensure our officers are available to provide reassurance and support to all. There will be an increased police presence in the area in the coming days, and we urge anyone with concerns to please speak to us, however we’d like to reassure people we are not aware of there being any increased risk to public safety.
“We will continue to provide updates to the public as our investigation progresses.”
