Police arrived at the scene in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare within three minutes of being called by paramedics,but the girl,named as Aria Thorpe,was declared dead
A nine-year-old girl has been stabbed to death at her home in Somerset just days after celebrating her birthday.
Aria Thorpe had partied with friends for her K-Pop themed event at her home in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare.
It is now a crime scene after Aria,described as ‘sassy’ for her age,had just come home from a dance class when she was attacked.
Aria was pronounced dead by paramedics shortly after 6pm on Monday.
Her best friend’s mother Tamara Taylor,40,sobbed as she told the Daily Mail: ‘Aria was a lovely little girl. She loved dressing up and doing what little girls do.
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Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.‘She and my daughter were best friends,they were always playing together and would be in each other’s houses every night.‘She knew something happened in Aria’s house last night and we sent her to her grandmother’s to keep her away.‘I’m dreading telling her when she comes home from school later. How do you tell an eight-year-old girl that her best friend has been killed in a suspected murder?’She added: ‘They were always playing together and had been at the same after school dance class on the night it happened.‘I just can’t believe it. You hear about these things and then suddenly it’s on your own doorstep.’A teenage boy was later arrested less than half a mile away at Worle rail station.He is being held on suspicion of murder.Police have not revealed his age or whether he was known to the girl.Friends left heartbreaking notes with floral tributes at the scene. One read: ‘Aria,thank you for playing with me’.Daniel Aldridge, Labour MP for Weston-super-Mare, said: ‘The death of a nine-year-old girl in Worle is devastating,an utterly heartbreaking tragedy for the family and her loved ones.‘My thoughts are with her family,friends,and everyone who knew her at this unimaginably difficult time.‘Nothing any of us can say will make this any easier for the family,but I know the relevant authorities are supporting them. Also,my office and I are here to support the family however they might need.‘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 added: ‘I urge everyone to respect the family’s privacy and avoid speculation while the police carry out their enquiries.’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.‘Our heartfelt condolences go out to them,and we’ll ensure they receive support from a specially-trained officer.‘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.’A police cordon remains in place while police officers carry out their investigations.
Police officers at the scene on Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare (Picture: Seamus McCoy/Plymouth Plus)Supt Appleford added: ‘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.’
