A schoolgirl who was allegedly killed after her throat was slashed has been identified.
The girl’s father is believed to have found the 10-year-old at their home in Emerald Lakes, in Carrara, on the Gold Coast, just after 6pm on Tuesday.
He called triple-zero but paramedics were unable to save her. A 46-year-old woman was arrested just before 10.30pm and charged with murder.
The schoolgirl has since been identified as Sophie Wang – a Year 5 student at Emmanuel College.
‘At this point in time we are treating the death of the 10-year-old girl as suspicious, and investigations are currently under way in relation to the demise of the girl,’ Queensland Police Inspector Lou Serafim said before the arrest was made public.
‘The triple-0 call was made by a relative who was at the incident scene when they located the 10-year-old girl.
‘He is a relative and he is being very cooperative and is assisting police with the investigation.’
Emmanuel College Principal Dan Brown penned a school community letter on Wednesday morning to share his condolences.
‘It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of a tragic incident that occurred in a home within Emerald Lakes last night, resulting in the passing of one of our beloved students,’ the letter said.
‘We are devastated by this incident and know it will profoundly impact our school community.
‘Our prayers go out to the family and friends of the child, and we extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.’
Counselling and grief support services have been provided to students.
‘Our priority is the wellbeing of our students and staff, and we will do everything possible to help our community over the coming days,’ Mr Brown said.
‘Please be assured we are here for all in our community – students, staff and parents – and these support services are available to anyone in need.
‘While words cannot ease the shock and pain of such a tragic loss, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.’
The college said in a statement: ‘Our priority is supporting our community at this difficult time.
‘We have mobilised our counselling and pastoral care teams to provide comprehensive support to students, staff and parents as our community comes to terms with this distressing news.
‘We ask for understanding and respect for the privacy of our families and students at this time.’
Emmanuel College, where fees cost up to $13,000 for year 10-12 pupils, counts recent Olympic gold medalist swimmer Cameron McEvoy as one of its former pupils.
The school has a notable sports program, with the head of athletic performance David Reid recently attending the Paris games as ‘s relay coach.
Insp Serafim said police officers and paramedics had walked into a ‘quite traumatic’ scene.
‘These officers and the paramedics are receiving internal counselling in relation to the incident that they were exposed to,’ she said.
Several ambulances were seen outside the home on Tuesday evening as police blocked off the street.
Forensics officers were seen entering the home and a gazebo has been set up outside the front.
The 46-year-old woman is due to face Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.