A murder investigation is underway in Weston-super-Mare after a nine-year-old girl was reportedly stabbed to death in her home, with a teenage boy arrested in connection with the tragedy.
Community in Mourning After Tragic Stabbing
Police were called to a property in the Mead Vale area of the popular seaside town just after 6pm on Monday, 15 December, following a report from paramedics. Despite desperate efforts by South West Ambulance Service medics, who performed CPR at the scene, the young girl was pronounced dead. The first police officer arrived at 6.09pm.
The victim has been named locally as Aria, who had only celebrated her ninth birthday with a Kpop Demon Hunters party two weeks prior. On the night before her death, she had been excitedly discussing her Christmas wish list with a friend.
Aria lived in a three-bedroom housing association property with her mother, 36-year-old hairdresser Victoria Hull. The family's grief was expressed by Aria's uncle, Jordan Hull, who posted on Facebook asking for privacy, describing the event as a "sudden tragedy" causing "extreme pain".
Arrest and Police Investigation
Approximately 15 minutes after the emergency call, a teenage boy was arrested outside Worle railway station, less than half a mile from the scene. He remains in police custody on suspicion of murder. A police cordon is in place around the property, and house-to-house inquiries are being conducted as part of the ongoing criminal investigation.
Superintendent Jen Appleford of Avon and Somerset Police addressed the shocking news: "We know the whole of Weston-super-Mare will be distraught and shocked to learn of this utterly dreadful news. It is impossible for us to adequately put into words the pain and anguish they are feeling right now."
She confirmed the family is being supported by a specially-trained officer and that a post-mortem examination will be conducted. Supt Appleford added that while there will be an increased police presence, there is no known increased risk to public safety.
Heartbroken Friends and Tributes
Aria was described as a "lovely little girl, sassy for her age" by Tamara Taylor, 40, the mother of Aria's best friend, Mollie. The two girls were inseparable, playing together every night and having attended an after-school dance class on the day of the tragedy.
"I'm dreading telling her when she comes home from school later," Mrs Taylor sobbed. "How do you tell an eight-year-old girl that her best friend has been killed in a suspected murder?"
Heartbreaking tributes have been left near the scene, including one note which read: "Aria, thank you for playing with me. Lots of love to you, your sister and mum."
The close-knit community has been profoundly affected. Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, said he was "shocked and saddened", with his thoughts being with the family and friends. Victoria Hull's hair salon, Lucky Streaks, has been closed until further notice, with a friend announcing the news on social media and asking for respect and privacy for the grieving family.
