The father of a two-year-old girl who was allegedly raped and murdered has paid tribute to his ‘princess’ after her mother appeared in court in connection with her death.
‘Little angel’ Isabelle Rose Welsh can today be named for the first time after a judge lifted a reporting restriction barring publication of her identity.
The toddler died in hospital after police were called to a property in Thornaby, Teesside, following reports of concern for her welfare on September 13.
Last week Isabelle’s mother, Alexandra Walker, 25, and Harrison Simpson, 21, appeared in court charged with her murder. Simpson is also charged with the alleged rape of the child.
Both defendants are also accused of causing or allowing the death of a child and have been remanded in custody.
Floral tributes have been left at the address, including a note from Isabelle’s father, Josh Welsh, which reads: ‘My beautiful baby girl, Daddy loves you all the world.’
Isabelle Rose Welsh died earlier this month in Thornaby, Teesside. Two people have appeared in court in connection with her death
Isabelle’s family said she enjoyed watching Peppa Pig and was ‘always full of smiles’Â
Isabelle’s wider family have today paid tribute to her. In a statement to local news website Teesside Live, they said: ‘She was always full of smiles. Isabelle loved to watch Peppa Pig as that was her comfort show.
‘She also loved her dummies and dancing.’
Around 200 people took part in a candlelit vigil on Thursday evening in memory of the toddler.
The emergency services were called to her mother’s address to the horror of neighbours who would see Isabelle out playing on her slide in the front garden.
The case has caused an outpouring of grief in the community.
One neighbour said: ‘Isabelle and her mother had not been living in the street for very long, only a matter of weeks.
‘But she was a gorgeous little girl, she was very smiley and she liked to play outside in the garden on her slide.
‘It is absolutely heartbreaking to think that she may have suffered in that house, people living around the street who didn’t even know the family have been in tears.’
Another neighbour, Phil Dolan, 64, said he has been left shocked by Isabelle’s death. He said: ‘It is just awful. I have granddaughters myself, so to think of this happening is terrible.
‘They hadn’t lived here very long at all, so I didn’t know them. The little girl’s mum introduced herself when she moved in and that was it really.
Harrison Simpson, 21, has been charged with murder and rape in connection with Isabelle’s death
The toddler’s mother, Alexandra Walker, has also been charged in connection with the murder
Flowers and notes have been left at the scene of the toddler’s death with the murder sparking an outpouring of grief in the community
‘They were really quiet, just a normal mother and child. She was busy getting the back garden all sorted out. It is such a shock.’
Friends posted tributes on social media, addressing Isabelle’s wider family. One said: ‘My heart is breaking for you all, what a beautiful little angel.’
Teesside Vineyard Church in Thornaby also held prayers. The church said: ‘We will be gathering for a time of prayer and worship between 6pm and 7pm. There will also be space for quiet reflection and to light candles. We would love to welcome anyone from our community to join with us.’
Walker and Simpson are yet to enter pleas in relation to the charges.
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Pictured: ‘Little angel’, two, who was ‘raped and murdered’ as girl’s mother, 25, and a man, 21, appear in court after being charged over her death