A WOMAN accused of murdering seven-year-old Emily Jones in a Bolton park has appeared in court for the first time.

During a three minute hearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court Eltiona Skana, aged 30, of Ernest Street, Bolton, spoke only to state her name and did not enter a plea.

Dressed in a black Adidas track suit top and with her dark hair pulled back into a bun and clutching a tissue, Skana appeared via a video link from Rampton Hall secure hospital.

She had been arrested at Queens Park, Heaton and detained under the Mental Health Act.

No members of Emily's family were present in court.

Her case was transferred to Manchester Crown Court later today and she remains remanded at the hospital.

District Judge Jack McGarva told her: "Miss Skana, this court can't deal with one of the charges - the murder charge. That must be heard by judge and jury at Crown Court."

Skana is also accused of possessing a knife.

Emily a pupil at Markland Hill Primary School, died after being stabbed in Queens Park, Bolton on March 22, where she had gone with her parents.

Paramedics rushed to the scene but, despite the best efforts of them and her family, she died a short time later.

An inquest which opened into her death heard how Emily, the daughter of credit manager Mark Jones and solicitor Sarah Barnes, was playing on her scooter during the Mother’s Day trip to the park when she was attacked.

Coroner Alan Walsh commented: "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."

In a tribute, Emily’s parents described their daughter as “always full of joy, love and laughter”.

And Markland Hill Primary School headteacher, Louise Close said staff and pupils were “heartbroken” by Emily’s death.

She said: "I am sure that none of us can begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the family are suffering at this time.

"I want you to know how much Emily was loved. She will be missed by all her friends and all the staff. Her loss has left a hole in our hearts and the school will never be the same again."

The school is planning to have a permanent memorial to Emily while her mum has launched an appeal in her memory in aid of Bolton Lads and Girls Club, where Ms Barnes volunteers as a mentor.

“Emily was a very kind and thoughtful girl, and would have loved to have helped other children in any way she could,” she stated.

So far the appeal, at www.gofundme.com/f/a-legacy-for-emily-jones-to-help-others, has raised £20,000.