Mural unveiled in Saltaire in honour of murdered toddler Star Hobson

Relatives of the murdered toddler Star Hobson have gathered to see a mural unveiled in her memory.

The artwork, in Roberts Park, Saltaire, near Bradford, shows a pair of adult hands cradling a baby's hand, holding a pacifier. Underneath are the words "forever our girl".

It was produced by local artist Adrian Smith to mark what would have been Star's third birthday.

The toddler died almost two years ago after months of abuse at the hands of her mother, Frankie Smith, and Smith's partner, Savannah Brockhill, at their home in Keighley.

Star's great-grandfather, David Fawcett, said the family was still struggling to come to terms with her death, but added that the mural was a fitting tribute.

"It's very special to us because little baby Star, she came here when she was a tiny baby and now we've got this," he said.

"We can just come here now we're getting into the nicer weather, just sit down have a look at the mural.

"There's a bench going to be erected here in the next few weeks, it's just absolutely great."

Star's great-grandmother, Anita Smith, and aunt, Alicia Szepler, were also at the unveiling.

Ms Szepler said: "This was her home, Keighley wasn't her home. This was her home and it's nice to have something, down here is where all her happy times were.

"The best memories are from when she was down here."

Star was 16-months-old when she was murdered by Brockhill, on 22 September, 2020.

During a six-week trial at Bradford Crown Court, the court heard how Star was subjected to "kicking and stamping" as well as a "slam choke" in order to "toughen her up" in the months before her death.

Brockhill was jailed for life. Smith, who was convicted of causing or allowing Star's death, was initially jailed for eight years but had her sentence increased to 12 years by the Court of Appeal.

The results of a review into the case, and the involvement of statutory authorities, is expected to be published shortly.