Family of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe pay tribute to 'beautiful soul' as teen appears in court charged with murder

The family of a nine-year-old girl stabbed to death in Weston-super-Mare on Monday have described her as a "beautiful soul".

Avon and Somerset Police were called to Lime Close just before 6.10pm, where nine-year-old Aria Thorpe had suffered a single stab wound.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a tribute released by police, Aria's family on her mother's side said: "For those who didn't have the privilege of knowing Aria, she was the most beautiful little soul - happy-go-lucky, full of light, and joy.

"She loved to sing and dance, and she took such pride in dressing up, always wanting to look just like her mummy."

Tom Thorpe, Aria's father, also said: "It's hard to put into words how devastating it is, our little Aria, that you're up there with the angels looking over us."

It comes as a 15-year-old boy appeared in court on Friday charged with Aria's murder.

In their statement through the police, Aria's family on her mother's side added that her death "has devastated us beyond words".

"Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible," they added. "As a family, we are holding one another close and doing everything we can to support each other through this unimaginable time.

"We are truly touched by the lovely messages we have received from friends and the local community over recent days. It has meant an awful lot to us all.

"We politely ask that our privacy is respected, as we try to come to terms with the terrible loss of our precious girl."

Mr Thorpe added: "How sad it's going to be not hearing 'Dad, how long left?' on our long journeys back and forth at weekends.

"How I'll long to hear you asking me to test you with maths, 'numbers' as you called it, to entertain you when you get bored with the iPad.

"How sad it's going to be not making your buttery crackers, grapes and a yoghurt for your breakfast."

Mr Thorpe then said that Aria was "such a brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul," and "always put a smile on people's faces with your wacky ways and just outright madness".

"I'll never, ever forget our time in Disneyland as a family; seeing your face light up when we were watching the princess show was a picture that will last forever in our minds," he added.

"Your other little family down here in Portsmouth will forever miss you. We'll miss you begging to go outside, even in the pouring rain just to have as much fun as possible in the little time we had at weekends.

"You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but I hope a life lived well. We all love you dearly. Goodnight darling."

It comes as the 15-year-old boy charged with Aria's murder appeared at Bristol Crown Court, where he was remanded.

He is next due to appear in court on 16 March. Appearing via video link from youth detention accommodation, he spoke only to confirm his name.

During the hearing, Judge Peter Blair KC set a provisional trial date for 15 June.