Teenager charged with murder after girl, 9, found dead in Weston-super-Mare
A teenager has been charged with murder after the death of a nine-year-old girl.
The 15-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare, police said. Avon and Somerset Police say they were called by paramedics to a house at 6.09pm on Monday, and that their first officer arrived at 6.12pm.
The girl was pronounced dead at the scene, in Lime Close, in the Mead Vale area in Weston-super-Mare.
A teenage boy was arrested in Worle at 6.19pm on Monday, and was charged on Wednesday morning.
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 in Lime Close while the investigation continues. House-to-house enquiries have started.
Glynis Field, who lives locally, said: “All I heard was the sirens, police sirens, the amount of the police at the back. I’ve never seen so many police cars in all my life, and ambulances, armed police. Forty-nine years we’ve lived here, and to think that’s right on our doorstep… It’s awful, terrible, absolutely terrible.”
A young girl, who was visibly emotional, laid a bouquet of flowers at the scene with a note that said: “Aria, thank you for playing with me. Lots of love to you, your sister and mum.”
Margaret Jones, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said: “The chances are that I would have seen her playing out, because a lot of the children round here play out here, it’s a horrible thought. It saddens me… I find it sad that I may have spoken to her and known her.”
Dan Aldridge, Labour MP for Weston-super-Mare, said in a statement on Facebook: “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. I urge everyone to respect the family’s privacy and avoid speculation while the police carry out their enquiries. The police have assured the community that there is no indication of an ongoing risk to public safety; increased patrols are in place to provide reassurance in the coming days.”
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.”
Anyone with information that may assist our enquiries is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5225352036.