Teenagers pay tribute to stabbed girl

Another event will see ribbons tied around trees in Scarlett's memory

Red and purple smoke filled the sky as a community gathered to pay tribute to a teenager killed earlier this month.

Crowds gathered in a Darlington park on Saturday to honour 14-year-old stabbing victim Scarlett Vickers.

Her friend Charley said: "She was always nice to everyone, she was kind and didn't deserve what happened to her."

The memorial event came days after her parents, Simon Vickers and Sarah Hall, appeared in court charged with her murder.

The gathering, which also saw balloons released in Scarlett's honour, was held to allow the children affected by her death to say farewell to their friend, according to Charley's mother Elisha.

"It's what the kids feel they need to do to find peace for her," she said.

"It's nice everyone's been able to get together and show our respects.

"For this to happen to anybody, especially a child, is absolutely devastating."

Another parent praised Scarlett's school, Haughton Academy, for supporting its pupils during an "emotional week".

Scarlett Vickers had a "heart of gold", friends at the memorial event said

Scarlett was allegedly stabbed in the family home on Geneva Road, Darlington, on 5 July.

Simon Vickers, 48, and Sarah Hall, 44, appeared via video link at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday charged with her murder.

Ms Hall was subsequently granted bail, but no such application was made on behalf of Mr Vickers.

A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for 5 August at the same court, with a trial date provisionally set for 14 January.