Dozens of emotional floral tributes have been left for Darlington schoolgirl Scarlett Vickers, 14, days after she was allegedly murdered by her parents.
Flowers of pink, red and purple, a teddy bear and messages and photos with friends are just some of the tributes that have been left outside the home of Scarlett Vickers on Geneva Road in Darlington as her parents wait to stand trial accused of her murder.
Simon Vickers, 48, and Sarah Hall, 44, of Geneva Road, made a short appearance in Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday (July 8) following her death on Friday, July 5.
District Judge Steven Hood heard how the teenager suffered a fatal single stab wound which resulted in her death.
Sarah Kemp, prosecuting, later 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."
District Judge Hood remanded the pair in custody to appear before Teesside Crown Court on August 5 for a plea and case management hearing.
The family home remains under a police cordon today (July 9) with crime scene investigators at the scene as bright flowers and balloons lie on the pavement outside.
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."
Another friend wrote: "My heart cannot handle the fact that you are gone."
Scarlett's school, Haughton Academy, published a heartfelt tribute to the much-loved pupil on their site following her death, writing that she was a "lovely girl"
Headteacher Su Gill wrote: "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.
"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."
Friends and loved ones are now set to gather in memory of Scarlett at Alderman Crooks Park (locally known as Tommy Crooks Park) at 12pm on Saturday (July 12).
Balloons coloured red and purple are planned to be released in her memory.
The investigation into Scarlett's death continues as Durham 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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- Haughton Academy, Darlington, tribute to Scarlett Vickers
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