Seven-year-old dies following attack at Wimbledon home as suspect appears in court

A seven-year-old girl who was found with "critical injuries" following an attack in south-west London has died, police have said.

Police and London Ambulance Service were called to an address in Blenheim Road, Wimbledon, on the morning of 3 November where they found the child with serious injuries.

She taken to a south-west London hospital but later died around 10:53am on the morning of 4 November.

A 55-year-old man, who can now be identified as Robert Peters, appeared in court today (4 October) charged with attempted murder before the girl passed away.

Prosecutors told Wimbledon magistrates court Roberts had been charged with attempted murder, despite the victim not expecting to recover from her injuries.

Peters, who wore a grey jumper, entered no plea to a single charge of attempted murder.

It will now be up to the Crown Prosecution Service to upgrade the charges against Peters to murder. Police previously confirmed the Peters was known to the seven-year-old.

Peters was remanded in custody until his next expected appearance at Kingston Crown Court on 1 December.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "A 55-year-old man was charged on Saturday, 4 November, with the attempted murder of a child in Merton.

"The man will appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Saturday, 4 November.
"Police and London Ambulance Service were called at 08:00hrs on Friday, 3 November to an address in Blenheim Road, SW20.

"A seven-year-old girl was found at the scene suffering critical injuries. The girl was taken to a south-west London hospital where she died at 10:37hrs on Saturday, 4 November.

"Her next of kin have been informed. A post-mortem examination will be held in due course.

"A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Friday, 3 November and taken to a south London police station. He was charged as above the following morning.

"The man is known to the victim. No other suspect is sought by police in connection with the incident."

This article has been amended following confirmation the girl had died.