In the quiet town of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, the community has been left reeling after the tragic death of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who was found fatally stabbed at her home on Lime Close just before 6:10pm on December 15, 2025. The incident has not only devastated Aria's family but also sent shockwaves throughout the local area, prompting an outpouring of grief and support.
According to reports from BBC News, police and paramedics rushed to the scene where Aria was discovered with a single stab wound. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that the cause of death was indeed a single stab wound. Shortly after the incident, a 15-year-old boy—who cannot be named due to legal reasons—was arrested in the nearby village of Worle at 6:19pm and subsequently charged with Aria's murder.
The following days have seen a community in mourning. Dozens of bouquets of flowers were left in tribute to Aria along Lime Close, with neighbors and friends struggling to comprehend the loss of such a young life. The sense of shock and sadness is palpable, as described by Superintendent Jen Appleford of Avon and Somerset Police, who stated, "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." She emphasized that support is being provided to those affected, including local schools and partner agencies, and thanked residents for their patience during the ongoing investigation.
Aria's family has paid heartfelt tributes to her, capturing the essence of a child full of life and joy. In a statement released through Avon and Somerset Police, her mother’s side of the family said, "For those who didn't have the privilege of knowing Aria, she was the most beautiful little soul—happy-go-lucky, full of light, and joy. She loved to sing and dance, and she took such pride in dressing up, always wanting to look just like her mummy." They continued, "The loss of Aria has devastated us beyond words. Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible. As a family, we are holding one another close and doing everything we can to support each other through this unimaginable time."
Her father, Tom Thorpe, also shared his heartbreak, recalling precious memories and the unique spirit that Aria brought to every moment. "It's hard to put into words how devastating it is, our little Aria, that you're up there with the angels looking over us," he said. He reminisced about their weekends together, her playful requests, and her love for adventure—even on rainy days. "You were such a brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul. You always put a smile on people’s faces with your wacky ways and just outright madness," he added. Tom Thorpe also spoke of the deep void left in the lives of Aria's "other little family down here in Portsmouth," who will forever miss her joy and energy.
Friends and those who knew Aria have echoed these sentiments. Tamara Taylor, the mother of Aria’s best friend, described her as "a lovely little girl, sassy for her age. She loved dressing up and doing what little girls do." She recounted how Aria and her daughter were inseparable, always playing together and spending time in each other's homes. The news of Aria's death has been particularly hard for the children in the community, with parents struggling to find the words to explain such a tragedy to their own young ones.
Aria had recently celebrated her ninth birthday with a K-pop Demon Hunters-themed party, and only the night before her death, she had excitedly chatted with her best friend about her Christmas wish list. A close family member told BBC News that Aria was "lively and bubbly," loved teaching dogs new tricks, and adored country music—her favorite song being "Jolene" by Dolly Parton.
On the legal front, the 15-year-old boy accused of Aria's murder appeared at Bristol Crown Court on December 19, 2025, via video link from youth detention accommodation. During the brief hearing, presided over by Judge Peter Blair KC, the defendant spoke only to confirm his name. He was represented by Charley Pattison, with Ray Tully KC appearing for the prosecution. The teen’s father was present in the public gallery, visibly affected as proceedings unfolded. No application for bail was entered, and Judge Blair set a provisional trial date for June 15, 2026, with the trial expected to last two weeks. The defendant will remain in youth detention accommodation until his next court appearance, scheduled for March 16, 2026.
During the court session, Judge Blair addressed the necessity of keeping the defendant in youth detention, stating, "I have to decide today what the best thing is, taking into account your interests and your welfare, where you should be living for the moment. You are over the age of 12, you are legally represented, and you have been accused of an offence which is a violent offence, and if you are convicted of that, it is very likely you will be sentenced to a custodial sentence, and I have to consider whether it should be necessary to have you kept in youth detention accommodation." He concluded, "I am of the opinion that keeping you in that accommodation would be adequate to prevent the commission by you of imprisonable offences, and any risks posed by you can’t be managed in the community."
Aria lived with her mother, Victoria Hull, a 36-year-old hairdresser, in a three-bedroom housing association home. The investigation into her death has been described as moving "at pace" by Superintendent Appleford, who reiterated the trauma experienced by Aria’s family and the wider community. She urged the public to respect the family’s privacy as they process their unimaginable loss, and assured that police will continue to provide updates and support.
The outpouring of support from both friends and strangers has been a small comfort to Aria’s loved ones. The family expressed their gratitude for the "lovely messages" received from the local community, stating, "It has meant an awful lot to us all." They have asked for privacy as they grieve and attempt to come to terms with the loss of their "precious girl."
As the legal process unfolds, the community of Weston-super-Mare continues to grapple with the senseless loss of a young life, united in mourning and in hope that justice will be served for Aria Thorpe.
