An inquest has opened into the death of a seven-year-old girl who was killed in a random stabbing in Greater Manchester on Mother's Day.
Emily Jones was visiting Queen's Park in Bolton with her family when the incident occured.
Shortly before 2.35pm on March 22, police were called to the park following reports that a child had been stabbed.
Emergency services attended and found the young woman, now confirmed as Emily Jones, had been attacked with a knife, the MEN reports.
A 30-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and assessed by specialist medical staff. She was detained under the Mental Health Act and remains in a highly secure facility.
Emily was taken to Salford Royal Hospital where she was pronounced dead just hours later.
An inquest into her death opened at Bolton Coroner's Court on Wednesday, April 1, and has been adjourned until Friday, July 3.
A post mortem has revealed that she died as a result of an incised wound of the neck.
Emily's family has since paid tribute to their "social butterfly".
Her parents said: “Emily was 7-years-old, our only child and the light of our lives.
“She was always full of joy, love and laughter.
“Emily had such a cheeky smile and was beautiful inside and out. She had a heart as big as her smile."
They added: “Emily was never happier than when she was spending time with her family and friends, she was our own little social butterfly.
“Emily had a passion for the outdoors and loved to play any sport, even when she was wearing her pink sparkly dresses!
“We are beyond devastated that this random act of violence means that we will never get to see our beautiful little girl grow up into the wonderful young lady she was showing such promise of becoming.
“It is truly heart breaking to wake up to a world without Emily in it and we cannot comprehend why this has happened."
