Alexys Brown lift death: Appeal to help family raises £12K

The appeal for Alexys Brown's family was started on Friday

An online appeal set up to help the family of a five-year-old girl who died when her head became stuck in a lift in Dorset has raised more than £12,000.

Alexys Brown, also known as Lexi, died at her home in Emmadale Close, Weymouth, on Thursday.

An investigation is under way to discover how she became trapped. A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out this week.

It was originally hoped the appeal would raise £2,000.

Emergency services were called to a house in Emmadale Close shortly before midday on Thursday

Alison Record, who started the Just Giving appeal, said she was "heart broken" over the death.

"Everybody by now has heard of the terrible tragedy the Brown family have suffered with the loss of their beautiful and beloved little girl Lexi," the appeal page reads.

"It is such an unimaginable pain to come to terms with; they should be free to take all the time they need to find their way through such dark times with out [sic] having to think about the devastating financial circumstance this will leave them and their children in."

"This has destroyed them; they need time to be with each other so all money raised will go towards giving them time to do this."

Floral tributes have been left outside the home

Many other comments have been posted on the appeal page.

Steph Harris said: "Thinking of you all at this devastating time, fly high beautiful princess. Love Steph and family xxx"

Lesley Andrews added: "No amount of money will take away the pain, but so much love comes with every penny. Take care. xx"

Aster Group, the housing association responsible for managing the home, is assisting with the police investigation. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is also investigating.

Dorset County Council said it had not installed the disabled lift at the property.

The tragedy happened in a residential area of the seaside resort