Emily, you were the light of our lives
Heartbroken parents pay tribute to girl of 7 knifed to death by stranger in park
‘Every family’s worst nightmare’
THe parents of a ‘beautiful’ seven- year- old girl who was stabbed to death in a park by a stranger on Mother’s day yesterday spoke of their heartbreak.
Only child emily Jones was murdered in front of her parents in the random attack.
A 30-year-old woman arrested by police at the scene on Sunday has since been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Yesterday emily’s grieving parents released a school picture of the blonde-haired pupil, who they described as ‘beautiful inside and out’.
In an emotional statement, they said: ‘We are beyond devastated that this random act of violence means 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.’ emily was knifed as she walked with her family in Queen’s Park, Bolton, at around 2.30pm on Sunday. She could not be saved despite the efforts of her family, passers-by and paramedics.
Her parents, whose names were not given by police, added: ‘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.’
Police last night said the arrested woman – who was not known to the family – remained in a secure facility. Assistant
Chief Constable Russ Jackson said: ‘Words cannot describe how awful this attack is.
‘The family were out in the park, enjoying the spring sun when, in a totally unprovoked and random attack, this little girl sustained horrendous injuries and sadly died. This is a family’s worst nightmare.’
The female suspect was immediately grabbed by a member of the public and later arrested on suspicion of murder. The 22-acre park was busy with people despite Government orders to avoid public gatherings because of the coronavirus.
Yesterday hundreds of people left messages of support for emily’s family on social media.
Sami Bunting wrote on Facebook: ‘My heart is broken for all who knew this little sweetheart.
‘May she rest in peace and may her parents find some sort of comfort in the future as right now the pain must be unbearable.’ emma Flood added the message: ‘Just awful. She was a beautiful little girl. My thoughts are with her family.’