The heartbroken family of a seven-year-old girl stabbed to death in front her parents by a stranger today paid a moving tribute to her.
Tragic Emily Jones was murdered in a "random and unprovoked" attack on Sunday as she enjoyed a day out in a park with her parents.
A 30-year-old woman, who was not known to the family, was arrested on suspicion of murder and has since been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
She remains in a highly secure facility, police said.
Cops were called to Queen's Park in Bolton, Greater Manchester, following reports that a child had been stabbed shortly before 2.35pm.
Emergency services attended and found that Emily had been attacked by a woman with a knife.
She tragically died a short while later despite the best efforts of her family and medical responders.
Paying tribute to Emily, her parents said: "Emily was seven-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.
"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 heartbreaking to wake up to a world without Emily in it and we cannot comprehend why this has happened.
"We would like to thank the members of the public that assisted us in the park and express our gratitude to the emergency services for doing their upmost to save Emily's life.
"Thank you to everyone for their kind messages of support and for continuing to respect our privacy at this difficult time."
Chief Superintendent Stuart Ellison of Greater Manchester Police said: "There are no words that can express how tragic the incident was.
"An innocent seven-year-old girl lost her life in such a cruel way and our family liaison officers are doing their upmost to support her family."
