The late boy’s mother shared an emotional message on Facebook following his untimely death
The mother of a nine-year-old boy who was tragically killed in a Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, Germany on Friday evening (20 December).
A car drove into crowds at the festive market last week, resulting in the deaths of at least five people, as well as over 200 being injured.
German police have since confirmed that four women were killed in the tragic incident, aged 45, 52, 67 and 75.
A suspect, aged 50, has since been taken into custody and appeared before a judge the day after the attack.
The attack injured hundreds and killed at least five (NEWS5/NEWS5/AFP via Getty Images)
The fifth victim, a boy, has now been named by his family on social media in an emotional tribute written about him.
His mother, Desiree Gleissner, wrote about her late son on Facebook: “Let my little teddy bear fly around the world again… Andre didn’t do anything to anyone… He was only with us on earth for nine years… why you… why. I don’t understand.
“Now you are with grandma and grandpa in heaven. They missed you very much as we miss you here now.
“You will always live on in our hearts… I promise you that.”
Following Andre Gleissner’s sad and untimely death, a GoFundMe was set up to help support his family, with a goal of €8,000 (£6,640) set, though now it currently sits at just over €78,000 (£64,400), as it was reopened at the request of many eager donors.
Local fire brigades also paid tribute to the nine-year-old, as the Schoppenstedt revealed that he was part of the children’s fire brigade in Warle.
They shared: “Our thoughts are with Andrés’ relatives, who we also want to support during this difficult time,” posting a donation appeal, also saying that he ‘left us too soon’.
Andre was just nine-years-old when he was killed (Desiree Gleissner)
The Lower Saxony youth fire brigade then followed suit with a message of condolence, writing: “Our condolences go out to his family, his friends and everyone who was close to him.
“We stand by their side in these difficult times and express our deepest sympathy.”
Farnziska Helbich, who is responsible for setting the fundraiser up, wrote that the boy will ‘never be able to unwrap his presents’ that he was looking forward to at Christmas, adding: “Andre leaves a big gap in the hearts of his family, friends and all those who knew him.”
After reopening the page for donations, Andre’s family revealed plans to pass on the majority of their donations to other victims who were affected by the horrific attack.
The suspect is currently being investigated for five counts of suspected murder and 205 counts of suspected attempted murder, said prosecutor Horst Walter Nopens.Featured Image Credit: Desiree Gleissner / NEWS5/NEWS5/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: GoFundMe, Social Media, World News
Joshua Nair
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Updated 14:48 6 Oct 2024 GMT+1Published 14:38 6 Oct 2024 GMT+1
breaking
Family of eight-year-old boy shot and killed at Cumbrian farm make heartbreaking tribute
His parents have spoken about him
The family of an eight-year-old boy who died last month after being shot at a Cumbrian farm have spoken out about their son.
Jay Cartmell died after suffering ‘life threatening injuries to the head and face’ on 28 September at a farm.
Police said that emergency services had been called to the scene at around 2:50pm that day, with the boy sadly dying overnight.
Officers said that a firearm had been secured at the scene and the eight-year-old had been taken to hospital via air ambulance before he died.
In a statement released through Cumbria Police, his family said: “We are heartbroken at the passing of our perfect little boy – Jay Cartmell, 8 years.
“He was loving, kind and full of mischief, the best boy that anyone could wish for and the third corner of our beautiful family ‘triangle’.
“Jay loved being outdoors, the muddier he could get the better and was starting to follow in the footsteps of his Dad with his obsession for Speedway at Workington, where he first attended aged 1 years.
The boy’s parents have spoken about who their eight-year-old son was. (Cumbria Police)
“He always went to the Pit to fist bump his heroes, local racers Harry and Sam McGurk. Jay was a talented rider himself and was showing real promise for the sport.
“Jay was a defender at Whitehaven Miners Football Club. He would occasionally score a goal, albeit an own goal, but that didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. His favourite player was Erling Haaland and he had a dream to move to Brazil and to meet Lionel Messi.
“Jay enjoyed fishing and rabbiting with his Dad and helped care for the family pets:- 4 lurchers, 5 ferrets and his own bearded dragon (Spike) which he received following a school achievement. He loved school and had a talent for maths.
The eight-year-old died after being shot at a farm in Cumbria. (PA News)
“Jay was extremely loved, not only by us, but by all who met him. He had fantastic friends and always had a smile on his face. We will miss him every day, but his love surrounds us and his memory will never fade.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who have looked after Jay:- The Air Ambulance Service; PICU, Ward 12 RVI and the Snowdrop Suite at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
“Also special thanks to the Workington Speedway Supporters Club for their amazing donations; JD Autos and Fellview Surgery for their ongoing support; the Workington Comets, especially Andrew Bain, for a special gift which we will treasure forever and to Whitehaven Miners for all that they have done and continue to do in Jay’s honour.”Featured Image Credit: Cumbria Police / PA News
Topics: UK News
Joe Harker
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Updated 15:52 11 Dec 2024 GMTPublished 15:29 11 Dec 2024 GMT
breaking
Sara Sharif’s mum pays tribute to ‘angelic’ 10-year-old girl after father and stepmother found guilty of her murder
Sara Sharif’s mum talked about her ‘angelic’ daughter
The mother of Sara Sharif has paid tribute to her ‘angelic’ daughter after the 10-year-old’s father and stepmother were found guilty of the child’s murder.
Sara Sharif was found dead in her family home on 10 August, 2023 after her father Urfan Sharif, 42, called police and told them he’d killed his daughter and left her body at his address in Hammond Road, Woking, UK.
Police also found a note next to the 10-year-old’s body written by Urfan Sharif, in which he again claimed responsibility for her death.
Urfan Sharif and partner Beinash Batool, 30, were found guilty of murdering the 10-year-old Sara, while the girl’s uncle Faisal Malik, 29, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child.
10-year-old Sara Sharif was found dead at her family home after her father called police to say he killed her. (Surrey Police/PA Wire)
Experts who examined Sara Sharif’s body found evidence of around 100 separate internal and external injuries, including evidence of burns inflicted with an iron as well as human bite marks.
Sara’s mum Olga said in a statement through Surrey Police: “My dear Sara, I ask God to please take care of my little girl, she was taken too soon. Sara had beautiful brown eyes and an angelic voice. Sara’s smile could brighten up the darkest room.
“Everyone who knew Sara will know her unique character, her beautiful smile and loud laugh.
“She will always be in our hearts, her laughter will bring warmth to our lives. We miss Sara very much. Love you Princess.”
The call made from Urfan Sharif to police was made after he, Batool and Malik had left the UK to fly to Pakistan with five of Sara’s siblings, the tickets had been bought on 8 August, 2023, the day Sara is believed to have died.
Surrey Police said this had been ‘one of the most difficult and distressing cases’ they’d ever encountered. (Shivansh Gupta/PA Wire)
Craig Emmerson, detective chief inspector with Surrey Police, said that this had been among the ‘most difficult and distressing cases’ the force had ever encountered.
He said: “Sara’s death has been one of the most difficult and distressing cases that Surrey Police has ever dealt with. The murder of a child is absolutely shocking but the abuse Sara suffered during her short life has made this case particularly disturbing.
“Today justice for Sara has been served and our thoughts remain with Sara’s mother and her siblings at this extremely difficult time.”
He added that Urfan Sharif, Batool and Malik ‘only ever sought to preserve their own interests’ and ‘have shown no remorse for their truly dreadful behaviour’.
The three will be sentenced at The Central Criminal Court, London, on 17 December.Featured Image Credit: PA/Family Handout
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Updated 13:55 17 Oct 2024 GMT+1Published 13:06 17 Oct 2024 GMT+1
breaking
Seven-year-old boy killed after explosion in Newcastle named as second body found
The second body is believed to belong to a man in his 30s
A seven-year-old boy who died in an explosion in Newcastle has been named.
His family have named the seven-year-old who tragically died as Archie York in tributes to the boy.
A second body, believed to be a man in his 30s, has also been found.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the two people who have tragically lost their lives.
“Specialist officers are supporting their loved-ones and we would urge everyone to respect their privacy at this time.”
The blast occurred Benwell and Elswick area of Newcastle, with emergency services called to the scene in the early hours of 16 October.
A further six people were taken to hospital as a result of the explosion, five adults and a child, and all besides one have been released from treatment.
The explosion occurred at Violet Close, Benwell (PA)
Northumbria Police confirmed to PA that the only person not discharged from hospital was a man in his 30s who was in a critical but stable condition.
They added that there were no cases of missing people connected with the explosion.
Speaking at the scene yesterday, Superintendent Darren Adams said: “It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today following the tragic death of a young child.
“As a result of the incident in the early hours of this morning, a seven-year-old boy has sadly passed away.
“Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he tragically died at the scene.
“This is a truly devastating outcome.”
“I have no doubt that the people of Elswick and Benwell, and our wider region, will want to join me in extending their thoughts and condolences to family and friends. The loss and pain they must be suffering is unimaginable.”
According to the Metro, members of the seven-year-old’s family have been posting tributes to his memory on social media.
Two people have died and six were taken to hospital, with one currently still receiving treatment. (PA)
They report that in a social media post from his aunt his family called Archie ‘the most beautiful, funny, & caring little boy’ whose ‘name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops’.
Adding to that, they say a neighbour said the seven-year-old was a ‘lovely lad’ and ‘everybody knew him’ as such.
Drone footage of the homes hit by the explosion showed that one house had been almost completely destroyed, with neighbouring ones also severely damaged by the blast.
A number of other people were also evacuated from their homes as a result of the explosion.Featured Image Credit: Facebook / PA
Topics: UK News
Joe Harker
Updated 08:42 3 Apr 2024 GMT+1Published 07:28 3 Apr 2024 GMT+1
Clothes of missing two-year-old discovered almost nine months after he vanished in heartbreaking update
The toddler’s clothes have been discovered almost a year after his disappearance
The clothes belonging to two-year-old toddler Émile Soleil have been discovered.
A French prosecutor sadly revealed that they were found almost 500ft from where his skull was discovered on Saturday (30 March), which was confirmed to match his DNA.
It is the latest disturbing update in the tragic case of the missing boy, who mysteriously disappeared almost nine months ago in the French Alps.
Police Handout
The child’s skull and some of his bones were uncovered near the isolated family home where he vanished in July 2023.
Aix-en-Provence prosecutor Jean-Luc Blachon revealed the news of the discovery of his clothes on Tuesday evening, as he is leading the criminal investigation into Émile’s disappearance.
Émile’s ‘t-shirt, pants and shoes’ weren’t ‘gathered in the same place’, but spread out over a few metres.
An unnamed walker is responsible for uncovering the skull and bones, as police revealed to Le Figaro that they would have ‘preferred that she didn’t touch anything.’
When news emerged last summer of the child’s disappearance, hundreds of civilians helped efforts of police and sniffer dogs to search for the boy, who was last spotted at 5.15pm on 8 July, wearing a yellow t-shirt and white shorts.
As the boy’s clothes were found scattered, a possible reason for his disappearance could be wild animals, and it would explain the ‘bite marks’ and ‘small fractures’ discovered on the skull, according to Mr Blachon.
CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images
The cause of his death is not conclusive though, as the possibility of a fall has been suggested, that could have damaged his skull.
‘Murder or manslaughter’ was also theorised by the prosecutor, as analysing the bones hasn’t revealed the cause of his death.
The skull was missing a tooth, but when discovered by the walker on Saturday, she was ‘disturbed’, and put the remains into a plastic bag.
Mr Blachon explained: “She went home and called the police. She was able to pinpoint exactly where she found it.”
Émile was in the care of 58-year-old grandfather Philippe Vedovini at the time of his disappearance.
The prosecutor continued: “At this time, we cannot say whether Émile’s body was already in the searched area. I cannot say that every square metre was searched.
“The topography there is difficult with steep slopes making observation and excavation difficult.
“It was also very hot in July 2023, with temperatures of more than 30C in the shade. which could have affected the effectiveness of the tracking dogs and infrared cameras.”
The family were informed of the tragic discovery while they were at Easter Sunday mass last weekend, and have not commented on the discovery.
Getty Stock Photo
Émile’s family have an extreme right wing political background, which was examined by police.
His father Colomban Soleil was previously being arrested for attacking foreigners in 2018.
He and his wife supported the Reconquest party of Eric Zemmour, who was found guilty of hate speech in 2022.
Lead prosecutor Remy Avon, responsible for heading the judicial inquiry into Émile’s disappearance, said there were a number of possible reasons, such as kidnap or murder.
His parents’ home and his grandparents’ home were raided and searched when he went missing in July 2023.
Full timeline of Émile Soleil’s disappearance
8 July 2023 – Émile vanishes
Two-year-old Émile Soleil is staying with his grandparents in the remote hamlet of Haut-Vernet in the French Alps.
On 8 July, he is seen by his maternal grandparents playing in the garden, as they host a family reunion.
He is later seen by two neighbours walking by himself on a street in La Vernet, 2km away, wearing a yellow t-shirt, white shorts and hiking shoes.
His grandparents call the police around 5.15pm when they realise he isn’t at the house.
9-13 July 2023 – Huge search launched
Police, soldiers and volunteers scour 1,200 acres searching for Émile in a huge search utilising drones and helicopters.
His mother’s voice is played ‘as loud as possible’ from speakers in aircraft over the search area.
The search officially ends on 13 July, though the investigation continues.
CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images
November 2023 – Émile’s mother makes public appeal
On what would have been Émile’s third birthday, his mother makes a public appeal.
If he is alive, she pleads for his safe return, and if not she asks for his body to be handed back for burial.
28 March 2024 – Police reconstruct last sighting of Émile
Investigators summon 17 people, including Émile’s family members, back to Haut-Vernet to reconstruct his last known movements.
30 March 2024 – Émile’s partial remains discovered
Some of Émile’s skull bones are discovered by a hiker more than 1km from Haut-Vernet.
The following day, police confirm the DNA matches Émile’s.
His parents say in a statement: “This heart-breaking news was feared, and the time has come for mourning, contemplation and prayer.”
His cause of death remains a mystery.