A woman has been charged with murder after seven-year-old Emily Jones was stabbed to death in a Bolton park.

Eltiona Skana, 30, formerly of Turnstone Road, Bolton, has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article.

She has been remanded in custody to appear before Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday May 26.

On Sunday March 22 police were called to Queen's Park, Bolton, following reports that a child had been stabbed.

Emergency services were rushed to the scene but sadly despite the best efforts of Emily's family and medical responders, she passed away a short time later.

An inquest opened into her death heard Emily was with her dad, enjoying a Mother's Day ride on her scooter when she was fatally stabbed.

Police coroner's officer Rebecca Gardner told how Emily Grace, who was born in Bolton on January 18, 2013, was the daughter of credit manager Mark Jones and solicitor Sarah Barnes.

She said that the family, who are from the Doffcocker area, had been at Queens Park, in Heaton.

After the attack she was taken to Salford Royal Hospital, but medics were unable to save her.

Coroner Alan Walsh said: "I wish to say I have been truly touched by the photographs of Emily that have been sent to me.

"I send my heartfelt condolences to Emily's family and friends, but particularly to her parents, who were present in the park and her father, who was nearby.

"In my 20 years as a coroner this is one of the most tragic deaths that I have dealt with and the loss of a beautiful, innocent, lively, intelligent and lovely seven-year-old in these circumstances is an unimaginable tragedy.

"I appreciate that Emily's parents are beyond devastated and my sincere thoughts are with them at this enormously sad time."

None of Emily's family were in court for the hearing but Mr Walsh added: "I make those comments because the police have kept me informed of the tributes the family made shortly after Emily's death and the photograph that was sent to me, through the police, of her in her school uniform and looking a happy, intelligent child.

"I am enormously sad at her death and it is important that her parents know that all our wishes are with them and our thoughts are with them at this enormously sad time."

Following her death Emily's parents paid tribute to her, describing how the little girl, their only child, had been the "light of our lives".

They added that the primary school pupil was "always full of joy, love and laughter".

In a statement they said: "Emily had such a cheeky smile and was beautiful inside and out. She had a heart as big as her smile.

“Emily was never happier than when she was spending time with her family and friends, she was our own little social butterfly.

“Emily had a passion for the outdoors and loved to play any sport, even when she was wearing her pink sparkly dresses.

“We are beyond devastated that this random act of violence means that we will never get to see our beautiful little girl grow up into the wonderful young lady she was showing such promise of becoming.

"It is truly heart breaking to wake up to a world without Emily in it and we cannot comprehend why this has happened.

“We would like to thank the members of the public that assisted us in the park and express our gratitude to the emergency services for doing their upmost to save Emily’s life."