North Yorkshire Police
Seven-year-old Katie Rough’s mother fell to her knees and was heard screaming “No, no, no, it’s my little girl. Help get an ambulance.” when her daughter’s body was found on a playing field.
Katie was found with horrific injuries in York on Monday night, and though she was rushed to hospital by paramedics, she died hours later.
BBC News reports a 15-year-old girl was arrested and charged with murder, and has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon – a knife.
The teenage girl remained silent for her eight-minute court hearing while her solicitor answered questions about her name and address. She is due to appear in Leeds Crown Court on Friday.
Katie Rough’s family and the surrounding community have been traumatised by the events, leaving tributes at the site where Katie was injured. One tribute from her grandparents read, “Night, night my darling princess Katie. Love Nana and Grandad xx xx”
Politicians have also paid tribute to Katie Rough in the House of Commons after the horrific incident.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “I’m sure the whole House will join in heartfelt condolences to the family and friends [following] the tragic death of seven-year-old Katie Rough in York earlier this week.
“I think it’s right we send condolences to her family.”
Prime Minister Theresa May added, “I also join you in expressing condolences to the family and friends of little Katie, who died so tragically.”
One resident of York who didn’t know the family, Maggie Jackson, started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family “to help them through this terrible time without any other worries.”
A relative of Katie’s family posted, “Just want to say on behalf of me and my family it is hugely appreciated and we cannot thank all enough for being so kind and supporting towards us!”
