Annabel Mackey

At 5.02pm on Sunday 10th September 2023, police were called to a report that 2-year-old Annabel Mackey had gone missing from her home on Forge Road, in the “idyllic” village of Kingsley. Shortly afterwards she was found in Kingsley Pond, just yards from her home, and tragically died in hospital the next day. Her mother, Alice Mackey, was held on suspicion of her murder, and according to some reports was further held under the Mental Health Act.

Neighbours said that Annabel enjoyed looking at their Halloween decorations and walking with her mother: “We’ve met her, we always said hello, she used to say hi. She was gorgeous, she was a beautiful little girl. Obviously her mum was with her most of the time. We used to regularly see Alice and Annabel walking around here. Alice would always be holding her hand and quite often they’d walk up the Common.”

Today, almost 18 months later, Alice Mackey was charged with murdering Annabel and was remanded in custody.

Shortly before Alice was charged, Annabel’s father, Peter, released a statement in memory of his daughter: “Annabel was a beautiful, positive and very happy little girl. She had an incredibly pure and caring nature that we miss so much. She loved story time, dogs and her dolly. She enjoyed singing songs and nursery rhymes and had a very sweet tooth. Annabel loved to laugh, she brought so much happiness into our lives. She was dearly loved by her family and friends. Thank you to everyone who was a positive influence in her life. Please continue Annabel’s legacy by remembering her and caring for others as much as she did. The world needs more people like Annabel to spread positivity and kindness. Annabel, I love you so much, you are a shining star and you will be loved forever.”