Family pay tribute to "beautiful little girl" stabbed to death in Bolton park
Emily Jones died from her injuries after being attacked on Mother's Day
Last updated 25th Mar 2020
The family of a little girl who was murdered in Bolton on Mother's Day have paid tribute to her.
7 year old Emily Jones was stabbed whilst visiting Queen's Park with her parents on Sunday afternoon.
Despite the best efforts of her family and paramedics, Emily passed away.
A 30 year old woman arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder has since been detained under the Mental Health Act. She remains in a highly secure facility.
"She had a heart as big as her smile"
Paying tribute to Emily, her parents said: “Emily was 7-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!!
“We are beyond devastated that this random act of violence means that we will never get to see our beautiful little girl grow up into the wonderful young lady she was showing such promise of becoming.
"We cannot comprehend why this has happened"
“It is truly heart breaking to wake up to a world without Emily in it and we cannot comprehend why this has happened.
“We would like to thank the members of the public that assisted us in the park and express our gratitude to the emergency services for doing their upmost to save Emily’s life.
“Thank you to everyone for their kind messages of support and for continuing to respect our privacy at this difficult time.”
Greater Manchester Police continues to investigate what happened.