15-Year-Old Boy Appears in Court Charged With Murder of Nine-Year-Old Girl
A 15-year-old boy has appeared in court accused of murdering a nine-year-old girl in a case that has left the Weston-super-Mare community in shock.
The police have formally identified the victim as Aria Thorpe. She was found deceased at a residential property on Lime Close on Monday evening.
Due to his age, the teenage suspect cannot be named. He appeared before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where he spoke only to confirm his personal details.
Post-Mortem Findings
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that a post-mortem examination has established the preliminary cause of death as a single stab wound.
The defendant was arrested in the Worle area on Monday evening. He was brought into court wearing a grey prison-issued tracksuit. He was accompanied by three custody officers while standing in the dock.
Court Decision
District Judge Nicholas Wattam ordered that the boy be remanded into custody.
He is scheduled to next at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
The teenager’s father was present in court during the brief hearing.
Police Investigation Continues
A police cordon has remained in place on Lime Close since Monday. Forensic teams continue their examination of the scene. Officers are also carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the surrounding area as the investigation progresses.
Superintendent Jen Appleford described the impact of the incident as devastating.
“It is impossible to fully put into words how traumatic the last 36 hours have been for Aria’s family,” she said.
“The loss of such a young child has caused enormous distress, not only to her loved ones but across the entire community.”
She added that officers are working closely with local schools. Their goal is to ensure that children and staff affected by the incident are receiving appropriate support.
Community Pays Tribute
Floral tributes, handwritten messages, candles, and soft toys have been placed near the scene in memory of Aria. Neighbours described the normally peaceful street as “unrecognisable”, saying they felt shocked and horrified by the events.
Police have reassured residents that there is no indication of any ongoing threat to the public.
Local Leaders Respond
The town’s MP, Dan Aldridge, described the incident as an “utterly heartbreaking tragedy”.
“This is a moment that will understandably shake and sadden our community,” he said.
“Many people will be grieving, anxious, and looking for answers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Local organisations have also expressed their condolences.
Lee Hutchinson, chairman of Hornets RFC, shared a message of sympathy on social media, saying the loss of a young life had deeply affected the entire area.
Council and School Support
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, who oversees children’s services at North Somerset Council, said she was deeply saddened by the news.
“The pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances is unimaginable,” she said.
She confirmed the council is working alongside schools and support services to help pupils, families, and staff impacted by the tragedy, and praised emergency services for their swift response.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have confirmed that evidence-gathering will continue in the coming days.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Avon and Somerset Police.