Police have released poignant photographs of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who was fatally stabbed in a Somerset town, as a teenage boy appeared in court charged with her murder.
Court Appearance and Police Investigation
A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his age, appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 17 December 2025. He faces a single charge of murdering Aria Thorpe.
During a brief hearing, the teenager spoke only to confirm his name, address, and date of birth. Magistrates remanded him into youth detention accommodation. He is scheduled to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday for a further hearing.
Avon and Somerset Police stated that Aria died from a single stab wound. Emergency services were called to Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare at 6.09pm on Monday, but the young girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Life Remembered: Family-Approved Images Released
With the approval of her grieving family, police have shared two images of Aria to honour her memory. One shows the child in a white sleeveless top, wearing a hairband adorned with Minnie Mouse-style ears.
The second, particularly heart-rending photograph captures Aria celebrating a birthday. She is pictured in a pink dress, wearing a rosette and surrounded by colourful balloons.
Superintendent Jen Appleford of Avon and Somerset Police said the community was in shock and that specialist officers were supporting Aria's devastated family. "It is impossible to adequately describe how traumatic the past 36 hours have been for them," Supt Appleford stated, "and we'd like to reiterate in the strongest possible terms their request for privacy."
Community in Mourning and Ongoing Inquiry
A police cordon remains in place at the scene in Lime Close as forensic officers continue their meticulous work. The local community has begun to lay floral tributes in memory of the young girl.
Police confirmed they are working closely with local schools and other agencies to ensure support is available for those affected by this tragic incident. The investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding Aria's death continues.
This case has brought the issue of knife crime and youth violence sharply back into focus for the Somerset community and the wider UK public.
