A candlelit vigil in memory of a toddler who died following a suspected assault is being held so people can pay their respects.
Family and friends are gathering at Consett Football Club on Friday evening to honour the memory of Maya Louise Chappell.
The two-year-old died last Friday at the RVI in Newcastle, two days after an incident at her home in Shotton Colliery.
Read more: Heartbroken dad pays tribute as toddler injured in Shotton Colliery incident dies in hospital
She was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition and a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of assault with intent to cause serious harm.
He has since been bailed pending further inquiries and police have asked people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident while the inquiry is ongoing.
People have left flowers, teddies, balloons and messages of support outside her home on Milton Grove in Shotton Colliery and an online fundraiser to give Maya a fitting send-off has so far raised over £7,000.
The vigil on Friday is due to start at 7.30pm in Consett, where her dad James Chappell is from.
In a post on Facebook the family has no balloons should be released on the night and asked that no teddies or tributes should left at the ground.
In her post, Kayleigh Crone said: “As I am sure people are aware, last Friday our family suffered the unexpected and devastating loss of our little Maya.
“For those of you who may have met Maya I’m sure you can all agree that she was a ray of sunshine. Full of energy and life with a smile that could light up the darkest of days.
“Some of you may be aware the community at Shotton where Maya had lived for only a short time prior to her passing have shown support by leaving messages of condolence outside her home.
“With this in mind it only seems right that those who knew Maya in her home town also have the opportunity to come together to be able to show their support."
She said: "On Friday evening a candle lit vigil will be held for Maya at Consett Football club at 7.30pm.
“Anyone who would like to light a candle and remember little Maya is more than welcome to do so.
“As a family we have been blown away by the support and messages of condolences and I know that the kindness of others is giving strength to Maya’s dad James Chappell throughout this horrific time.”
Read next:
- Police provide update into Shotton Colliery investigation
- County Durham toddler dies in hospital after alleged assault as investigation continues
- County Durham toddler fighting for her life as man is arrested after incident
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