A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder after a nine-year-old girl was killed in her own home.
Aria Thorpe was declared dead shortly after police arrived at the address in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare on Monday evening.
The youngster, who celebrated her birthday only two weeks ago, had just come home from a dance class when she was attacked.
A teenage boy was later arrested less than half a mile away at Worle rail station.
Police initially declined to reveal his age but have now confirmed a 15-year-old boy has been charged with Aria’s murder.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
He is due in court today.
Heartbroken neighbours paid tribute to Aria, saying she was ‘a lovely little girl’ who ‘loved dressing up and doing what little girls do’.
Her best friend’s mother Tamara Taylor, 40, sobbed as she told the Daily Mail: ‘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?’
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.’
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: ‘Our investigation has continued at pace since Monday evening and we can confirm a 15-year-old boy, who lives in Weston-super-Mare, has overnight been charged with murder. He is due to appear in court later today.
‘This remains an incredibly difficult time for Aria’s family, who we continue to support and update around our investigation.
‘It is impossible to adequately describe how traumatic the past 36 hours have been for them and we’d like to reiterate in the strongest possible terms their request for privacy.
‘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. We are working closely with partner agencies and schools across the Weston area to make sure those affected receive access to any support they need.
‘We are grateful to local residents for the patience shown while we have been carrying out enquiries in the area. This work will need to continue over the next few days, but if anyone has any issues then please do not hesitate to speak to officers on the cordon who will be happy to help.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.