The heartbroken family of a “sassy, fun-loving” nine-year-old girl stabbed to death at home have shared pictures of the schoolgirl. Aria Thorpe was found dead in Weston-super-Mare on Monday night, with police confirming she sustained a single stab wound. A 15-year-old boy was subsequently arrested and charged with murder, officers added. 

The young girl’s family have now shared photos of her – one of her in a pink dress and tiara, and another of her wearing Minnie Mouse ears. Aria celebrated her ninth birthday just two weeks ago, marking the occasion with a KPop Demon Hunters-themed party. 

Friends have described her as a “sassy, fun-loving girl” who enjoyed dressing up.

Family friend and neighbour Tamara Taylor said her daughter Mollie was “best friends with Aria”. 

She said: “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.”

The teenager charged with Aria’s murder appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court today for a hearing. He has been remanded in youth detention accommodation before his hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

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.”