WOMAN HELD OVER DEATH OF AMELIA, 4
THE little girl who was found dead at a property in the Rhondda on Friday night has been described by her family as “beautiful both inside and out”.
Police are investigating the death of four-year-old Amelia Brooke Harris who died following an “incident” in Trealaw.
Her family said their “lives will never be the same again”.
Emergency services were called to an address on Brithweunydd Road at around 10.20pm on Friday. Amelia was found at the property and was confirmed to have died.
A 37-year-old woman was arrested and continued to be questioned by police last night after they were granted a 36-hour extension by the courts to detain her.
Police were were awaiting results of a postmortem to determine the cause of the little girl’s death.
Amelia’s family paid tribute to the four year old in a statement released last night by South Wales Police.
They said: “On Friday night we tragically lost our baby girl Amelia Brooke Harris. A loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, great granddaughter, niece and cousin.
“Amelia was beautiful both inside and out – and was a fun-loving, caring and bubbly little girl.
“She was taken far too early from us and had her whole life ahead of her. Words cannot convey how we are feeling at this moment in time. We know our lives will never be the same again.”
Detective Superintendent Richard Jones from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts go out to the family and friends in what is a traumatic incident.
“In addition, I want to remind members of the public to demonstrate responsibility when using social media. Some information has been both upsetting for family members and could compromise the investigation – and future court proceedings.”
The incident sent shockwaves around the local community. Tributes to Amelia were left at the scene.
“Fly high beautiful,” read one card, which was attached to white roses near the scene in Trealaw. A teddy bear with heart-shaped cards also read: “RIP Princess”.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people took to social media to pay tribute.
Karen Perris said: “Absolutely heartbroken. She was a sweet beautiful little girl. Like a little doll. Rip darling... fly high. You will be missed on the pitch supporting our boys, that little face making us smile.”
While Sarah Knight said: “RIP little princess. We are thinking of you.”
In a statement, Rhondda AM Leanne Wood has also paid tribute, saying residents have been deeply affected by the incident.
“It’s tragic to hear about the loss of a small child and my thoughts are with her family,” she said.
Rhondda MP Chris Bryant, tweeted: “Very disturbing events in Trealaw last night. I’ve spoken to police and my gratitude goes to the paramedics and police who have been dealing with what must have been very upsetting scenes.”
Anyone with any information who has not already spoken to police is asked to call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously, quoting ref 1800207700.