15-year-old boy charged with the murder of a 9-year-old girl
By Sky News, December 18, 2025A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, has been charged with the murder of Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare. Police believe the 9-year-old girl died from a single stab wound.
Avon and Somerset Police said Aria was stabbed on Monday. Emergency services were called to Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare at 6.09pm, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have released photographs of Aria Thorpe with the approval of her family. One image shows her wearing a white sleeveless top and a hairband with Minnie Mouse-style ears. Another shows her in a pink dress, wearing a rosette and a “happy birthday” headband, surrounded by balloons.
The teenage suspect appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, charged with her murder. During the brief hearing, he spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.
He was remanded into youth detention accommodation ahead of a further hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
A police cordon remains in place at the scene as forensic officers continue their investigations. Flowers and tributes have been laid in memory of Aria.
Superintendent Jen Appleford of Avon and Somerset Police said the community was in shock and that Aria’s family were being supported by officers.
“It is impossible to adequately describe how traumatic the past 36 hours have been for them, and we would like to reiterate in the strongest possible terms their request for privacy,” she said.
Supt Appleford added that police were working with local schools and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available.