The headteacher of Mylee Billingham has spoken of his school’s shock at the death of the “fun-loving” eight-year-old pupil.
Andy Nicholls, headmaster of St James Primary School in Brownhills, West Midlands, said the “lovely” girl, who enjoyed singing and performing, was an active member of her school.
The schoolgirl died in hospital on Saturday after she was found with stab wounds at a bungalow in Valley View.
Floral tributes in remembrance of Mylee Billingham outside the property in Brownhills, near Walsall, where the eight-year-old was found with fatal knife wounds on Saturday (Phil Barnett/PA)
Father Bill Billingham, 54, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Saturday, shortly after posting a picture of the schoolgirl on his Facebook page on Saturday night.
Mr Nicholls said in a statement: “What can I say, we’re all numb, we’re all in shock. Everyone at the school is completely devastated.
“Mylee was dearly loved by us all, her smile lit up the room, in fact, it never left her face. She was a fun-loving, happy eight-year-old who had her whole life in front of her.
“She took a full part in school life, particularly enjoying singing and performing. She was just a lovely girl. Our hearts go out to her family at this difficult time. Thank you.”
Mylee’s headteacher Andy Nicholls said a smile ‘never left’ her face (Phil Barnett/PA)
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on Monday.
Billingham, who was found at the property with a stab wound to his stomach, is in critical condition in hospital and is due to be questioned by police.
The stabbing is being treated as a “domestic incident”.