Hundreds attend vigil for murdered girl

Hundreds of people attended a candle-lit vigil last night for Casey-Lyanne Kearney, the 13-year-old girl who died after being stabbed as she walked through a park in Doncaster.

Candles were lit by her friends and relatives, and Chinese lanterns were released into the sky as mourners gathered to remember and pay tribute to the teenager.

Earlier, Casey-Lyanne's parents spoke of their grief at losing "the most beautiful, intelligent and bright young girl, with her whole life ahead of her". They added: "Losing Casey has been so painful words cannot begin to explain."

Casey was found lying fatally injured in Elmfield Park, Doncaster, on Tuesday afternoon after she dialled 999 for help, saying that she had been stabbed. She was taken to hospital but later died.

Hannah Bonser, 26, appeared before Doncaster magistrates yesterday charged with her murder and was remanded in custody.

Relatives of the dead girl listened in the public gallery, some sobbing, as the details of the case against Bonser were outlined.

The accused spent most of the 15-minute hearing looking at the floor.