Family of murdered Halesowen schoolgirl speak for first time of heartbreak (From Halesowen News)

Family of murdered Halesowen schoolgirl speak for first time of heartbreak

1:17pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News

THE DEVASTATED family of murdered Halesowen schoolgirl Christina Edkins have told how their “world has been torn apart” by the loss of their “beautiful princess”.

The 16-year-old Leasowes High pupil was stabbed on the number nine bus on the Hagley Road last Thursday.

Her parents Jason and Kathleen Edkins, of Ladywood, Birmingham, today issued a moving tribute to their daughter.

They said: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful princess, Christina, and it’s hard to find words to describe the pain we’re all feeling.

“Her family and friends will remember her as an amazing individual with her whole life ahead of her.

“A life that was tragically cut short on that Thursday morning.

“Our lives will never be the same again.

“We are truly overwhelmed by the kindness that’s been shown by friends and neighbours, people who knew Christina well and also those who never got the chance to meet her.”

The statement issued through West Midlands Police also tells how Christina was looking forward to her school prom and was “just like most 16-year-olds.”

It continues: “We’d bought Christina's prom dress the week before and recall the day she tried it on.

"She looked like a princess. She was our Princess. Christina was studying extremely hard for her exams and weighing-up which college to attend.

“In many ways she was like most 16-year-olds; worried about her appearance, what fake tan to wear, how her hair and nails looked and about ‘hot boys’ as Christina would call them!

“We would like to thank everyone for their kind words, flowers, teddies, balloons and candles.

"The support has been fantastic and shows what good, kind people there are in this world.

“We’d like to thank West Bromwich Albion for their half time tribute at the weekend and to the fans for their heartfelt applause which was very emotional.”

A 22-year-old man is set to be charged with the 16-year-old’s murder.