A TEENAGER has been charged with murder after the death of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare.
The 15-year-old has been remanded in police custody and is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court today (December 17).
“The formal identification process has not yet been completed, but we can confirm the boy has been charged with the murder of Aria Thorpe,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.
Emergency services were called to an address in Lime Close, Weston, at just before 6.10pm on Monday (December 15).
The boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons – was arrested in Worle a short time later.
A post-mortem examination has been carried out and the preliminary finding is that the death was as a result of a single stab wound.
Supt Jen Appleford, of Avon and Somerset Police
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.”
READ MORE: Crime news from your Somerset Leveller
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member responsible for children’s services and families, said: “I have been shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Aria’s death.
“On behalf of everyone at North Somerset Council, I offer our sincerest condolences to Aria’s family, friends and the school community. The pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances is unimaginable.
“We are working closely with partner agencies, including schools across the Weston-super-Mare area, to make sure those affected have access to the support and advice they need.
“I want to thank Avon & Somerset Police and other emergency services for their response to the incident and all that they have done since to support people directly affected, and the wider community.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected at this desperately sad time.”
