'They were extremely loved by all' - Daughter's emotional tribute to mother and brother killed at Stourbridge home
A student whose mother and 13-year-old brother died after being stabbed at their family home in Stourbridge has visited the scene to lay flowers in their memory.
Lydia Wilkinson was comforted by her boyfriend and his parents as she read dozens of message cards on floral tributes left by friends of her mother Tracey and brother Pierce.
Her visit came as it was confirmed the man accused of their murders, Aaron Barley, had been helped by the family in the past year.
Barley, 23, stands accused of stabbing Tracey Wilkinson, 50, and her son Pierce, 13, to death at their home in Greyhound Lane, Norton, last Thursday.
He also stands accused of the attempted murder of Mrs Wilkinson's husband, 47-year-old Peter, who was found with stab wounds.
He remains in hospital after suffering serious injuries.
The family confirmed it had 'assisted' Barley in the past 12 months but that he had 'never lived' at the luxury home.
The 18-year-old, a student at Bristol University, crouched down as she looked at flowers laid on the pavement and against walls on both sides of a police tent which remains outside her home.
She was accompanied by her boyfriend and his parents as she looked at the floral tributes in a visit organised by West Midlands Police.
She was visibly upset as she laid flowers of her own, clasping her hands around her face and crying.
She stayed for several minutes outside the home, reading the messages left by well-wishers and embracing her partner.
Miss Wilkinson said in a statement: "Our family are devastated at the loss of Tracey and Pierce. They were extremely loved by all of their family and friends.
"Pierce was a fun loving, friendly and happy boy, who loved computer games and made everyone smile.
"Tracey was loving, caring and a wonderful mother and daughter. She always put others before herself."
The statement added: "The family did not provide refuge for homeless people and Aaron Barley had never lived at the family home but had been helped by the family in the past twelve months.
"We would like to express our gratitude to the emergency services, and to thank hospital staff for their excellent care."
Barley will next appear at Birmingham Crown Court tomorrow after a short appearance at Birmingham Magistrates' Court yesterday morning.
Dressed in a green hospital-style gown and trousers with his right arm in a sling, Barley spoke only to confirm his name and that he is of no fixed address.
He remains in custody.
