The parents of a 13-year-old girl who died after being stabbed have paid tribute to her as "the most beautiful, intelligent and bright young girl".

Casey-Lyanne Kearney was found lying fatally injured in Elmfield Park, Doncaster, on Tuesday afternoon after dialling 999 for help. She was taken to hospital but later died.

Hannah Bonser, 26, appeared at Doncaster Magistrates' Court charged with her murder and was remanded in custody. She will next appear at Sheffield Crown Court on February 23.

Casey-Lyanne's parent said in a statement: "Losing Casey has been so painful words cannot begin to explain. She was the most beautiful, intelligent and bright young girl with her whole life ahead of her. We need time alone with family and friends to start to come to terms with our loss."

The teenager's relatives listened in the court's public gallery, some sobbing, as the details of the case against Bonser were outlined. The defendant, who has brown, shoulder-length hair, was wearing a dark blue T-shirt which concealed a tattoo on her left arm.

She nodded to confirm her name and date of birth, gave her address as Cusworth House, Doncaster, and listened as the murder charge was put to her, along with a separate charge of possessing two knives. For most of the 15-minute hearing she looked at the floor, occasionally glancing upwards as the prosecutor read out details of the case.

Casey-Lyanne had left her home in Rossington at around midday on Tuesday and caught the bus to Doncaster town centre where she was going to meet a friend, but never arrived. She called police and a passer-by phoned for an ambulance, but despite their efforts she died in hospital hours later.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people attended a vigil for Casey-Lyanne in Elmfield Park on Thursday night.

Friends and relatives lit candles, released Chinese lanterns and stood in silence as they remembered the teenager.

A large number of floral tributes were placed at the entrance to the park.