An East Hampshire woman has been charged with murder following an 18-month investigation into the death of a two-year-old girl found in a village pond.

Alice Mackey has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Basingstoke Magistrates Court tomorrow (Wednesday, March 5).

The 42-year-old of Gibbs Lane, Oakhanger, was arrested in September 2023 in connection with the disappearance and death of Annabel Mackey.

Police were called at 5.02pm on Sunday, September 10, amid reports the two-year-old had gone missing from her home on Forge Road in Kingsley.

Annabel was found a short time later, unresponsive, at Kingsley Pond. She was taken to hospital in a serious condition, where she died the following afternoon.

Detectives from the Major Crime Team carried out the investigation into Annabel’s death and her movements before she was located at Kingsley Pond.

The father of two-year-old Annabel Mackey has released a tribute to his daughter following her death after she was found at Kingsley Pond in East Hampshire.
The father of two-year-old Annabel Mackey has released a tribute to his daughter following her death after she was found at Kingsley Pond in East Hampshire. (Hampshire Police)

Earlier today (Tuesday, March 4), Annabel’s father paid tribute to his “shining star” of a daughter, calling her a “beautiful, positive and very happy little girl” who was “dearly loved by her family and friends”.

He said: “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.

“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 x.”