Parents of murdered schoolgirl Katie Rough pictured for first time as family release hundreds of balloons for her eighth birthday

THESE are the emotional first pictures of murdered schoolgirl Katie Rough's parents on what would have been her eighth birthday.

Paul and Alison Rough made their first public appearance since her death at a short memorial at 4pm in York today, releasing balloons in her memory.



Hundreds turned out at Westfield Park, beside Katie's school, Westfield Primary, to mark the youngster's birthday by releasing the multi-coloured balloons into the sky.

Tearful Paul and Alison, who were accompanied by family members and the Archbishop of York John Sentamu, let go of six multi-coloured balloons.

A tired-looking Paul, 34, and his partner Alison, 38, were inconsolable as they huddled together with his parents Steve and Sharon Rough.

He kissed her on the head as they both let go of the balloons and watched them float away into the sky.

The distraught couple stood silently as the huge crowds sang Happy Birthday.

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'she's dead'

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A statement from the devastated parents handed out at the event read: "The family wish to let everyone know that we are grateful to the community for coming together to celebrate Katie's birthday.

"They are also thankful for all the donations that have been made of the kind thoughts they have received over the last week.

"We would ask that you please respect the families wish to be left alone at this private time – thank you."

Earlier in the day, Paul had posted on Facebook: "Happy Birthday princess. Miss u so much xxxxxxxxxxxx (sic.)"

One mum, who was clearly upset by the event, said: "My daughter was in the same class as Katie.

"We're just overwhelmed with emotion releasing the balloons – it is a very sad time."




A shrine to tragic Katie included her name spelt out in glass candles and a picture of the seven-year-old next to her dog.

Sweets and chocolate were also given out to pupils waiting in a long queue with their parents to sign letters to attach to the balloons.

Parents had come together to organise the event and the biodegradable balloons were provided by Jayne Lawn of Strensall-based Balloons Above.

A crowdfunding campaign for Katie's family has now reached over £23,000.



Katie was walking home through a playing field in York at 4.30pm when she was stabbed in the chest and her throat was slit.

A girl aged 15 has been charged with her murder.

Cops launched a frantic search for Katie last week after the alleged killer rang 999 at 4.37pm and told them: “She’s dead.”

Thirteen minutes later Katie’s anxious mum, Alison, 38, unaware of the unfolding drama, also rang police to report her missing.

She said she had not seen Katie for 45 minutes.

Cops found her at the end of an alleyway close to the field and began performing CPR but she died at hospital.

Her alleged killer, who suffers mental health problems and cannot be identified for legal reasons, handed over a Stanley knife and was arrested.

Katie’s mum Alison, 38, raced to the scene and dropped to her knees screaming: “No,no, my little girl.”

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