Teen charged with murder of girl, 9

A 15-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with the murder of a nine-year-old girl.

Police earlier named the victim as Aria Thorpe, who was found dead at a house in Lime Close, Weston-super-Mare, on Monday evening.

The teenage accused, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and spoke only to confirm his name and address.

A post-mortem examination found the preliminary cause of Aria’s death was a single stab wound, Avon and Somerset Police said.

Flanked by three dock officers and wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit, the teenager – who was arrested in Worle on Monday evening – was remanded into custody by District Judge Nicholas Wattam and told his next court appearance would be at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

His father was among those present in court.

Supt Jen Appleford said it was “impossible to adequately describe how traumatic the past 36 hours have been” for Aria’s family.

“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,” she added.

She said police officers were working with schools across the area to make sure those affected were being supported, adding: “We are grateful to local residents for the patience shown while we have been carrying out enquiries in the area.”

A police cordon has been in place around Lime Close since Monday, with forensics teams working at the scene as officers carry out house-to-house inquiries.

Neighbours said they feel “shocked” and “horrified” by what has happened, as the usually quiet residential area has been taken over by emergency services.

Supt Appleford said work gathering evidence would continue in the coming days.

The town’s MP, Dan Aldridge, described Aria’s death as an “utterly heartbreaking tragedy for the family and her loved ones”.

“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 said, adding that there was no indication of any wider threat to the public.

Lee Hutchinson, chairman of local rugby team Hornets RFC, wrote on social media it was “deeply saddened by the tragedy that has taken place in our town this week”.

“To lose a young life is heartbreaking, and the impact is felt across our whole area.

“We send our love and strength to her family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time.”

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, who oversees children’s services at North Somerset Council, said she had been “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news, adding: “The pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances is unimaginable.”

She also said the council was working closely with schools in the area to support those affected by the incident, and thanked the emergency services for their response.