On the evening of December 15, 2025, the quiet community of Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset was shaken to its core. At approximately 6:10 p.m., emergency services were called to a home on Lime Close, where nine-year-old Aria Thorpe was found gravely wounded. Despite the rapid arrival of the first police officer—just three minutes after the call—Aria was pronounced dead soon after. The cause, as later confirmed by a post-mortem examination, was a single stab wound.
By that same evening, police had arrested a 15-year-old boy in nearby Worle. The suspect, whose identity is protected due to his age, was charged with Aria’s murder. According to the Avon and Somerset Police press release, the boy was swiftly taken into custody and appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, December 17. During the brief hearing, he spoke only to confirm his name and address. District Judge Nicholas Wattam remanded him into youth detention accommodation, scheduling the next hearing for Friday, December 19, at Bristol Crown Court (BBC, Reuters).
The news of Aria’s tragic death reverberated throughout the region. Floral tributes soon lined the corner of Lime Close, with dozens of bouquets, handwritten notes, and stuffed toys left by grieving neighbors and classmates. The outpouring of support was immediate and heartfelt, as the community grappled with the unthinkable loss of a child.
Aria Thorpe was, by all accounts, a vibrant and remarkable young girl. Family members described her as "lively and bubbly, so full of life." She had a passion for teaching dogs new tricks and adored country music, with Dolly Parton’s "Jolene" being her favorite song (BBC). Friends and neighbors echoed these sentiments. Tamara Taylor, whose daughter was Aria’s best friend, told The Times, "Aria was a lovely little girl, sassy for her age, she loved dressing up and doing what little girls do." Taylor added, "They were always playing together and would be in each other’s houses every night. I’m dreading telling her when she comes home from school later. How do you tell an 8-year-old girl that her best friend has been murdered?"
Aria had just celebrated her ninth birthday two weeks prior to her death, marking the occasion with a KPop Demon Hunters-themed party organized by her parents. She lived with her mother, Victoria Hull, and her older siblings, attending Becket Primary School. Beyond her love for fashion and makeup, Aria ran a YouTube channel with a friend and even made money locally by cleaning cars—a testament to her enterprising spirit and zest for life (The Times).
The shockwaves from Aria’s death extended far beyond her immediate circle. Superintendent Jen Appleford addressed the media and public, stating, "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." She continued, "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. 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" (BBC, Reuters).
Simon Marriott, chief executive of the Kaleidoscope Multi-Academy Trust, which oversees Aria’s school, expressed the sorrow felt by staff and students alike. "Our school and trust community are devastated and upset by the news of the tragic death of one of our pupils, Aria Thorpe. We are working with professional agencies to ensure that support is provided to our children, staff and families as they come to terms with what has happened. Our thoughts are with Aria’s family at this very difficult time," Marriott said (The Guardian).
Local officials also voiced their condolences. Dan Aldridge, the town’s Member of Parliament, called Aria’s death an "utterly heartbreaking tragedy for the family and her loved ones," noting, "This is a moment that will understandably shock and sadden us all, and I know many in our town will be grieving, anxious, and seeking answers." Councillor Catherine Gibbons, responsible for children’s services at North Somerset Council, said she was "shocked and deeply saddened" and thanked emergency services for their response. "The pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances is unimaginable," she remarked, pledging ongoing support for all those affected (BBC).
Police forensics teams remained a visible presence on Lime Close for days after the incident, conducting house-to-house inquiries and maintaining a cordon around the crime scene. Superintendent Appleford acknowledged the patience and cooperation shown by local residents during the investigation. "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" (The Guardian).
The wider community responded with messages of solidarity and sorrow. Lee Hutchinson, chairman of the Hornets RFC rugby team, posted on social media, "To lose a young life is heartbreaking, and the impact is felt across our whole area. We send our love and strength to her family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time." The sentiment was echoed by many, as the town collectively mourned Aria’s loss and grappled with the senselessness of the tragedy (BBC).
Throughout, authorities have been careful to emphasize that there is no indication of any wider threat to the public. The investigation, however, remains ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. As the legal process unfolds, with the accused boy’s next appearance set for Bristol Crown Court, the community’s focus remains on supporting Aria’s family and each other through the aftermath of this devastating event.
The death of Aria Thorpe has left a profound mark on Weston-super-Mare—a reminder of both the fragility of life and the strength of community in the face of heartbreak. As the town continues to grieve, the memory of a lively, loving, and entrepreneurial young girl endures, cherished by all who knew her.
