Family of Aria Thorpe share image of her celebrating birthday simply weeks earlier than homicide
Little Aria Thorpe was described by friends as a “sassy, fun-loving girl” who loved dressing-up in tributes after her death, now her family have released a heartbreaking photo from her ninth birthday
The devastated family of a schoolgirl stabbed to death at her family home have shared a heartbreaking photograph from her ninth birthday party.
Aria Thorpe is seen beaming while donning a bright pink dress and tiara which reads “happy birthday” in the heart-wrenching picture.
She is surrounded by balloons and presents in the photo, taken just weeks before she was stabbed to death at the three-bedroom council house where she lived.
In another photo, she is seen beaming while wearing a headband with Minnie Mouse ears on. She was described by friends as a “sassy, fun-loving girl” who loved dressing-up.
The emotional images were released by Aria’s family via police after a teenage boy appeared in court charged with her murder.
He was arrested on Monday evening in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, half a mile from where Aria’s body was found.
The 15-year-old boy, who cannot legally be named due to his age, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
During a brief hearing, he spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth. He was remanded into youth detention accommodation ahead of a hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
Cops were scrambled to Lime Close in the town just before 6.10pm on Monday, where nine-year-old Aria had suffered a single stab wound. The boy was arrested in nearby Worle seven minutes later.
Her mother Victoria Hull, a former soldier and hairstylist, was said to be devastated. A large cordon remains in place around the house as forensic teams continue their inquiries.
A makeshift shrine has appeared at the edge of the cordon as well-wishers and friends leave flowers and tributes in Aria’s memory.
One card read: “Aria, thank you for playing with me. Lots of love to you, your sister and mum.”
District judge Nicholas Wattam told the teen: “Your case has to go to the crown court for trial. In the meantime you are remanded into youth detention accommodation and there will be a hearing on Friday at the crown court.”
Family friend Tamara Taylor, 40, who lives opposite the house, said her daughter Mollie was “best friends with Aria” and said 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.”
In a statement on Wednesday, Simon Marriott, chief executive of the Kaleidoscope Multi-Academy Trust, said: “Our school and trust community are devastated and upset by the news of the tragic death of one of our pupils, Aria Thorpe.
“We are working with professional agencies to ensure that support is provided to our children, staff and families as they come to terms with what has happened. Our thoughts are with Aria’s family at this very difficult time.”
Catherine Gibbons, deputy leader of North Somerset Council, said in a statement: “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 and 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.”
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