Mother, 42, Charged with Murder After 'Beautiful' Daughter, 2, Is Found Dead in Pond Near Family Home

A British mother has been charged with murder after her 2-year-old daughter died after being found unresponsive in a pond close to their home, police have confirmed.

On Tuesday, March 4, Alice Mackey, 42, was charged after toddler Annabel Mackey was reported missing from her home on Sept. 10, 2023, shortly after 5 p.m. local time, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said in a news release. 

“Annabel was found a short time later, unresponsive, at Kingsley Pond. She was taken to hospital in a serious condition, where she died on the afternoon of Monday 11 September,” police stated.

The pond was approximately 350 yards away from Annabel’s home.

The suspect — from the Hampshire village of Oakhanger, U.K. — has been remanded into custody to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Wednesday, March 5, the release added. Police confirmed to PEOPLE that the suspect is the mother of the victim.

Officers said detectives from the Major Crime Team had “carried out the investigation into Annabel’s death and her movements before she was located at Kingsley Pond,” per the release.

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The victim’s father paid tribute to his little girl on Tuesday in a statement shared via police, per a separate news release.

His message read, “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,” the tribute added. “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’s father continued. “Annabel, I love you so much, you are a shining star and you will be loved forever x.”

Basingstoke Magistrates Court didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.