Teenage boy denies murdering nine-year-old Aria Thorpe

Aria Thorpe died from a single stab wound to her chest at her home - (Family handout)

A 16-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty to murdering a nine-year-old girl.

The teenage boy, who cannot be named because of his age, is charged with killing Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare on 15 December, 2025.

Aria was pronounced dead after police were called to the Mead Vale area of the Somerset town at 6.09pm that day.

Avon Coroner’s Court previously heard Aria died from a single stab wound to her chest at her home.

On Friday, the boy appeared before Bristol Crown Court and replied “not guilty” after the single charge against him was read out.

Prosecuting, Ray Tully KC told the court: “The matter is set for trial on June 15, with a time estimate of two weeks.”

Nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who died following an incident in Weston-super-Mare (Family handout)

Andrew Langdon KC appeared for the defence during the hearing, which lasted 20 minutes.

Judge Martin Picton said reporting restrictions preventing the identity of the defendant from being published would continue, due to his age.

In tributes issued after her death, Aria’s father Tom Thorpe described her as a “brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul”.

Aria’s family on her mother’s side said she was “the most beautiful little soul – happy-go-lucky, full of light, and joy”.

The boy, who was remanded into custody, will stand trial at Bristol Crown Court on 15 June.