The parents of a teenage girl who suffered a fatal stab wound have appeared in court charged with the alleged murder.

Simon Vickers and Sarah Hall made a short appearance in Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court after the 14-year-old Darlington teenager died on Friday night.

The teenager, who was named in the court papers as Scarlett Vickers, was pronounced dead at a property on Geneva Road in the town at about 11pm.

About a dozen family members packed out the public gallery in the courtroom as the pair were brought up by security officers.

A police cordon outside the property.A police cordon outside the property. (Image: Contributor)

District Judge Steven Hood heard how the teenager suffered a fatal single stab wound which resulted in her death.

Vickers, 48, and 44-year-old Hall, of Geneva Road, Darlington, both appeared in court wearing prison-issued grey tracksuits and spoke only to confirm their address and date of birth.

Sarah Kemp, prosecuting, said: "There was an incident within their home. It was the fatal stabbing of their 14-year-old daughter.

"It was one knife injury which resulted in her death."

Hall's solicitor, Georgia Snowdon, said her client was 'absolutely distraught' about what happened in the family home on Friday.

District Judge Hood remanded the pair in custody to appear before Teesside Crown Court on August 5 for a plea and case management hearing.

Forensic officers working at the scene on Geneva Road, DarlingtonForensic officers working at the scene on Geneva Road, Darlington (Image: Northern Echo)

Speaking at the weekend, Detective Superintendent Craig Rudd, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “This incident has resulted in the tragic death of a young girl, and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience and cooperation while investigative work is still being carried out at the scene, and to reassure residents that we believe this to be an isolated incident.”

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The alleged murder has sent shockwaves around the community as residents struggle to come to terms with the events.

One resident described the absolute horror they felt at hearing the news.

They said: "It's horribly shocking. It's just awful.

"They kept themselves to themselves that family. I don't know anything more."