A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a nine-year-old girl in Weston-super-Mare.
Aria Thorpe, who celebrated her birthday just two weeks ago, has been named as the victim by Avon and Somerset Police.
Emergency services were called to an address in Lime Close shortly before 6.10pm on Monday, December 15.
The teenager, who cannot be publicly named due to his age, was arrested in Worle a short time later. He will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court later today.
Superintendent Jen Appleford said: "Our investigation has continued at pace since Monday evening and we can confirm a 15-year-old boy, who lives in Weston-super-Mare, has overnight been charged with murder. He is due to appear in court later today.
"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."
Police and forensics near the scene in Lime Close, in the Mead Vale area of Weston-super-Mare
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Superintendent for North Somerset Jen Appleford spoke at a press conference
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SI Appleford continued: "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.
"We are grateful to local residents for the patience shown while we have been carrying out enquiries in the area.
"This work will need to continue over the next few days, but if anyone has any issues then please do not hesitate to speak to officers on the cordon who will be happy to help."
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A message on flowers near the scene in Lime Close,
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