THE devastated family of a “sassy, fun-loving” nine-year-old stabbed at home have shared heartbreaking pictures of the schoolgirl.
Aria Thorpe was tragically discovered dead on Monday night in Weston-super-Mare.
Police today confirmed a 15-year-old boy who was arrested in nearby Worle has been charged with murder.
Officers also said a post-mortem confirmed tragic Aria died from a single stab wound.
The teen appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court today for a brief hearing.
He was remanded into youth detention accommodation ahead of a hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
Tributes have flooded in for the youngster, who has been described by friends as a “sassy, fun-loving girl” who loved dressing-up.
Aria had tragically celebrated her ninth birthday with a KPop Demon Hunters party just two weeks ago.
Her mum Victoria Hull, a former soldier and hairstylist, was said to be devastated.
Family friend Tamara Taylor, 40, who lives opposite the house, said her daughter Mollie was “best friends with Aria”.
Tamara heartbreakingly told how the girls had been talking about their Christmas wish lists the night before the tragedy.
The Co-op shop worker added: “Aria was a sassy little girl who loved dressing up and putting on make-up.
“Mollie and Aria did everything together away from school and it’s just so heartbreaking what has happened.
“Aria was always around here playing with Mollie — they were inseparable.
“I don’t know how we’re going to break it to her that she won’t see her again.”
Police were scrambled to the family home at around 6.09pm on Monday following the horror.
The teen boy was arrested on suspicion of murder seven minutes later.
A large cordon remains in place around Aria’s home while forensic teams conduct a search.
Superintendent Jen Appleford said: “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.”
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