A balloon release in memory of a Darlington teenager who was allegedly murdered by her parents last week is set to take place on Saturday.
The memory of Scarlett Vickers is set to be celebrated at Alderman Crooks Park (locally known as Tommy Crooks Park) at noon on Saturday (July 12), just over a week after she was allegedly stabbed to death at her home on Geneva Road.
The 14-year-old's parents, Simon Vickers and Sarah Hall made a short appearance in Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday (July 8) after they were charged with murder.
Vickers, 48, and 44-year-old Hall, of Geneva Road, both appeared in court wearing prison-issued grey tracksuits and spoke only to confirm their address and date of birth.
District Judge Hood remanded the pair in custody to appear before Teesside Crown Court on August 5 for a plea and case management hearing.
Following her death, the community has reacted in shock and heartbreak and have issued moving tributes for the "popular" and "polite" girl.
Su Gill, headteacher of Haughton Academy where Scarlett attended school, said she was a "lovely girl".
She added: "It is with deep sadness that we write to you today following the tragic death of one of Haughton Academy’s pupils.
"You may have seen in the media and on social media that Scarlett Vickers (Year 9) sadly died at home on Friday.
"Scarlett was a lovely girl and an important member of the Haughton Academy community. She was always immaculately turned out, respectful and polite. A very friendly girl, with a great sense of humour, she was popular with her friends and will be greatly missed by everyone at school.
"Staff and pupils at Haughton Academy and the Education Village Academy Trust are extremely saddened by the news and we would like to pass on our thoughts to everyone affected by this tragedy. The Trust is working hard to support pupils and staff through this very difficult time.
"Families have requested to be allowed to lay flowers as a tribute to Scarlett so we have set aside a memorial space in the Village Green, within the main school site. We ask that flowers are either left by parents and guardians with main Reception or brought to school by pupils.
"This is a very difficult time for us all but we know we can get through it by coming together as a strong community and by remembering Scarlett in our own ways."
More than a dozen floral tributes and messages to the late teen have since been left outside the home, which still remains under a police cordon.
One tribute says the schoolgirl was "taken too soon" - adding that "no one will ever forget" her.
Another adds: "Fly high gorgeous. You were a wonderful friend. Forever 14."
One penned: "Rest in peace Scarlett. You were one in a million. Forever 14, but also forever loved and missed."
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The investigation into Scarlett's death continues as police thank the community for their cooperation.
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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