The family of a nine-year-old girl, tragically stabbed to death in her home, has shared a poignant tribute, expressing that their hearts are shattered beyond what they ever thought possible.

Aria Thorpe, who had celebrated her birthday with friends just two weeks prior, was discovered deceased at a residence on Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare shortly after 6 PM on Monday.

A 15-year-old boy, whose identity remains protected due to legal restrictions, was apprehended near Worle rail station, situated less than half a mile from the tragic site.

The teenager appeared in Bristol Crown Court on Friday, facing charges of Aria’s murder. His trial is anticipated to commence next year.

In a heartfelt message released today, Aria’s maternal family described her as a beautiful little soul, full of happiness and light. They shared that she was a joyful spirit, always singing, dancing, and delighting in dressing up to mirror her mother.

‘She loved to sing and dance, and she took such pride in dressing up, always wanting to look just like her mummy.

‘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.

‘We are truly touched by the lovely messages we have received from friends and the local community over recent days. It has meant an awful lot to us all.

The family of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who was stabbed to death in Weston-super-Mare on Monday, have described her as ‘the most beautiful little soul’

Aria was found dead at a property in Lime Close, Weston-super-Mare, just after 6pm on Monday

‘We politely ask that our privacy is respected, as we try to come to terms with the terrible loss of our precious girl.’

Aria’s father, Tom Thorpe, added: ‘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.

‘How sad it’s going to be not hearing ‘Dad, how long left?’ on our long journeys back and forth at weekends.

‘How I’ll long to hear you asking me to test you with maths, ‘numbers’ as you called it, to entertain you when you get bored with the iPad.

‘How sad it’s going to be not making your buttery crackers, grapes and a yoghurt for your breakfast.

‘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.

‘You always found it so easy to show your affection to others and ensure others around you were happy and never bored!

‘I’ll never ever forget our time in Disneyland as a family; seeing your face light up when we were watching the princess show was a picture that will last forever in our minds.

‘Your other little family down here in Portsmouth will forever miss you.

Aria (pictured with mother) had celebrated her ninth birthday with friends just two weeks ago with a Kpop Demon Hunters party

 A post-mortem examination found that Aria had died due to a single stab wound

 ‘We’ll miss you begging to go outside, even in the pouring rain just to have as much fun as possible in the little time we had at weekends.

‘You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but I hope a life lived well. We all love you dearly. Goodnight darling.’

The 15-year-old boy accused of Aria’s murder appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

The defendant, who appeared via video link from youth detention accommodation, spoke only to confirm his name and did not enter a plea.

During a brief hearing, Judge Peter Blair KC, the Recorder of Bristol, set a provisional trial date for June 15 2026.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.

At Bristol Crown Court, the boy was represented by Charley Pattison, while Ray Tully KC appeared for the prosecution.

His father was among those attending in the public gallery.

The teenager is next expected to appear in court on March 16 2026.