Fatal Stabbing: Girl's Family Weep In Court

The family of a schoolgirl accused of murder after a street row wept as she appeared in court.

Lorry driver Darren Kelly was stabbed to death a few miles from his home in Basildon, Essex, this week.

The 15-year-old girl, from Pitsea, is one of four people charged with murder.

A 17-year-old boy from Pitsea and a 16-year-old boy from Basildon, none of whom can be named for legal reasons, stood alongside her at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.

Chris Carroll, 20, of Pevensey Close, Pitsea, appeared at a separate hearing earlier on Saturday.

The girl flashed the peace sign at her tearful family and mouthed "I love you" as she was led out of the dock.

Carroll, meanwhile, smiled and yawned as he entered the courtroom.

Members of his family shouted "love you Chris" at the end of the hearing and he replied "love you".

All of the defendants wore red tracksuits and spoke only to confirm their names, ages and addresses.

They will remain in custody until their appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court on 27 October.

Mr Kelly staggered to a block of flats seeking help after being stabbed on Tuesday night.

Bystanders fought to save his life but he died at hospital.

A post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death to be stab wounds and blood loss.

A 13-year-old girl from Basildon who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on police bail until 16 December.

:: Witnesses should contact Essex Police on 101, email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.