Tributes to girl fatally stabbed as father held
THE father of eight-yearold Mylee Billingham has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, police said, as tributes poured in for the schoolgirl.
Bill Billingham, 54, is in a critical condition in hospital after he was found with a stab wound to his stomach at the property on Valley View.
Mylee died in hospital on Saturday after she was found with knife wounds at the bungalow in Brownhills, near Walsall.
Floral tributes, notes and teddy bears have been tied to a post outside the property, in remembrance of Mylee.
One note read: “Mylee, our superstar dancer, you will be the brightest star shining in the sky tonight. We will never forget your happy, smiling face. Fly high xxxx.”
Another said: “We shouldn’t be writing this!!! Fly high princess into the arms of the angels...taken far too young, your pretty face we will never forget.”
Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.
West Midlands Police say Billingham is yet to be questioned due to his condition. He is expected to undergo surgery.
Neighbour Graham Greatrex told the Press Association that the girl’s mother said a man had “stabbed my little girl” as he helped her.
The 74-year-old, who lives a few doors from the scene, added: “She was in shock and she couldn’t say anything else”.
Detective Inspector Jim Colclough, who is leading the murder investigation, said: “This is an absolutely tragic set of circumstances and my thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.
“We are still at the early stages of understanding exactly what happened and why – but I can confirm we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation.”
The headteacher of Mylee Billingham has spoken of his school’s shock at the death of the “fun-loving” eight-year-old pupil.
Andy Nicholls, headmaster of St James Primary School in Brownhills, West Midlands, said the “lovely” girl, who enjoyed singing and performing, was an active member of her school.
The schoolgirl died in hospital on Saturday after she was found with stab wounds at a bungalow in Valley View.
Mr Nicholls said in a statement: “What can I say, we’re all numb, we’re all in shock. Everyone at the school is completely devastated.
“Mylee was dearly loved by us all, her smile lit up the room, in fact, it never left her face. She was a fun-loving, happy eight-year-old who had her whole life in front of her.
“She took a full part in school life, particularly enjoying singing and performing. She was just a lovely girl. Our hearts go out to her family at this difficult time. Thank you.”
A post-mortem examination was due to take place yesterday.