Aria Thorpe: Images released of girl, 9, stabbed to death – as boy appears in court charged with murder

December 17, 2025
News

Police have released photographs of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who was fatally stabbed in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

The images, released with the approval of her family, show Aria smiling in different outfits. In one photograph, she is wearing a white sleeveless top and a Minnie Mouse-style headband. In another, she appears in a pink dress with a rosette and a “happy birthday” headband, surrounded by balloons.

The release of the images comes as a 15-year-old boy appeared in court charged with Aria’s murder. The suspect cannot be named because of his age.

Avon and Somerset Police said Aria died after suffering a single stab wound. Emergency services were called to Lime Close, Weston-super-Mare, at 6:09pm on Monday, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The teenage suspect appeared briefly at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where he spoke only to confirm his name, address, and date of birth. He was remanded into youth detention accommodation and is due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

A police cordon remains in place at the scene as forensic officers continue their investigations. Floral tributes have been laid in memory of the young girl.

Superintendent Jen Appleford of Avon and Somerset Police said the local community remains in shock and confirmed that Aria’s family is receiving specialist support.

“It is impossible to adequately describe how traumatic the past 36 hours have been for them,” she said, adding that the family has requested privacy during this extremely difficult time.

She also confirmed that police are working closely with local schools and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to children and the wider community.