Horror as girl, 2, 'raped and murdered'

A two-year-old girl was found dead at a home in Thornaby, Yorkshire. Alexandra Walker, 25, and Harrison Simpson, 21, have been charged with with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. Simpson also faces a charge of rape.

Cleveland Police attended the scene at about 4.20pm on September 13 and arrested the pair next day. They appeared in Teesside Crown Court last week, charged with murdering the toddler, Isabelle Rose Welsh. Walker faces charges of murder and causing/allowing the death of a child, while Simpson is accused of murder, rape, and causing/allowing the death of a child.

In a moving statement to Teesside Live, Isabelle's family expressed their wish for her picture to be shared on social media, rather than those of the accused.

They described Isabelle as a vibrant two-year-old "with a full life ahead of her," who loved watching Peppa Pig, her comfort show, and was fond of her dummies and dancing.

Her father, Josh Welsh, paid a touching tribute, saying: "Rest in peace, Isabelle. Daddy loves you all the world and back."

The family extended gratitude for the overwhelming support, kind words, and condolences from the community. Social media has been flooded with messages of shock and sorrow, with one person writing: "What a beautiful little girl. This world is so cruel."

Another added: "Rest in eternal paradise, sweet princess."

Floral tributes, teddy bears, balloons, and candles have been placed outside the Hartington Close property, which has a child's slide in the front yard.

A note, believed to be from Isabelle's father, reads: "My beautiful baby girl, Daddy loves you all the world."

On Thursday evening, about 200 people gathered for a candlelit vigil in Hartington Close to honour the toddler's memory.

Forensic officers were active at the scene last week, with police stationed at both ends of the terraced property.

The defendants appeared via video link from prison at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, with a plea hearing scheduled for November 6.

Reporting restrictions were lifted on Monday, allowing Isabelle's name to be shared publicly.

No trial date has been confirmed, and Walker and Simpson remain in custody.

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