Tributes paid to teenager as brother appears in court charged with her murder

Tributes have been paid to a 15-year-old girl who died on a caravan park in North Wales, as her brother appeared in court charged with her murder.

Matthew Selby, 19, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Wednesday charged with the murder of his sister, Amanda Selby.

She died after officers were called to a report of a "domestic disturbance" at Ty Mawr Holiday Park in Towyn, near Abergele, on the afternoon of Saturday 31 July.

Today Amanda's family described her as "loving, caring and thoughtful", while her school said staff and pupils are "devastated" by the news.

In a statement, relatives said: “Amanda was a loving daughter and grand-daughter – she was caring, thoughtful, liked to help others and very much loved. She will be very sadly missed.

“We ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

The family continues to be supported by specialist police officers.

Amanda's school, Droylsden Academy, posted a message on its website which said: "Our school is saddened to have received the tragic news that one of our students, Amanda Selby in Year 10, has lost her life whilst on holiday with her family in Wales.

"Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with Amanda's family at what is an incredibly difficult time.

"Our school family is devastated by this awful news. Amanda was a lovely student and she will be sorely missed by students and staff.

"Clearly, many members of our school community will be affected by this loss and we will be offering support to those who need it in the weeks and months ahead.

"We will also plan a tribute when the time is right so that we can remember all that Amanda brought to our school."

The Kamiza Dojo Ju Jitsu club attended by Amanda also paid tribute to her.

The club, based in Ashton-Under Lyne, said on Facebook: "Our club is saddened to hear the tragic news that one of our students, Amanda Selby, has lost her life while on holiday with her family. Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with her family at this very difficult time.

"The Kamiza Dojo family is truly devastated by this awful news. Amanda, and her mother, have been a big part of our club for many years, always turning up to support the running of the club and its students. Many members will be affected by this loss and so we will add links below to help the children and families process and discuss this news in appropriate ways.

"We are truly heartbroken, Amanda will be sorely missed."

Mr Selby appeared in court by video link from HMP Berwyn for a 15-minute hearing, speaking only to confirm his name.

A provisional trial date of February 28 was set, with Judge Rhys Rowlands saying the trial was expected to last five to seven days.

Mr Selby is due to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 29.

An order made under Section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 to ban the naming of the victim was lifted by the judge.

Five members of the press were in court for the hearing, with others watching over video link.