Woman remanded in custody after being charged with murder of Amelia Brook-Harris, 4

A 37-year-old woman has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of a four-year-old girl.

Carly Ann Harris faced Merthyr Magistrates' Court accused of killing Amelia Brooke Harris, who died following an incident at a property in Trealaw, Rhondda, South Wales, on Friday night.

During the brief hearing, Harris, who was flanked by two dock officers, spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth.

The court heard that the charge was so serious that Harris's case could only be dealt with at the Crown Court and that magistrates had no power to consider bail.

Harris, of Brithweunydd Road, Trealaw, was remanded in custody to appear before a judge at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday.

Russell Blake, chairman of the bench, told her: "This case can only be sent to Merthyr Crown Court sitting at Cardiff on June 12.

"As this is an indictable-only offence, you will be remanded into custody as you have no right to apply for bail today."

On Sunday, Amelia's family paid tribute to a "fun-loving, caring and bubbly little girl".

In a statement released by South Wales Police, they said: "On Friday night we tragically lost our baby girl, Amelia Brooke Harris, a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, niece and cousin.

"Amelia was beautiful both inside and out - and was a fun-loving, caring and bubbly little girl.

"She was taken far too early from us and had her whole life ahead of her.

"Words cannot convey how we are feeling at this moment in time. We know our lives will never be the same again."

The force is supporting the family with specially-trained family liaison officers.