A woman has been charged with the murder of a seven-year-old girl, who was stabbed to death in a park in Bolton on Mother's Day.
Greater Manchester Police said Eltiona Skana, 30, formerly of Turnstone Road, Bolton, has been remanded in custody over the death of Emily Jones.
She will appear before Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
On Sunday, March 22, police were called to Queen’s Park in Bolton following reports that a child had been stabbed.
Emergency services attended but despite the best efforts of Emily’s family and medical responders, she died a short time later.
Skana was arrested at the scene and was later detained under the Mental Health Act.
She has been charged with murder, as well as possession of a bladed article.
Emily's grieving parents previously paid tribute to their daughter and said she was the "light of our lives".
"She was always full of joy, love and laughter," they added.
"Emily had such a cheeky smile and was beautiful inside and out. She had a heart as big as her smile".
They went on to describe how the seven-year-old was "never happier" than when she was spending time with family and friends.
"She was our own little social butterfly," they said.
Her "heartbroken" teachers also paid tribute and said she was a "ray of sunshine".
Headteacher Louise Close said in an online statement: "I want you to know how much Emily was loved.
"She will be missed by all her friends and all the staff. Her loss has left a hole in our hearts and the school will never be the same again".
