Alice Mackey has been charged with the murder of her 2-year-old daughter, Annabel, whose body was found in a pond near their home, leading to an ongoing investigation and shock within their community.

 

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A Hampshire community is in shock after a tragic incident led to the death of 2-year-old Annabel Mackey, whose body was discovered in a pond near her home in Oakhanger.

The mother of the child, Alice Mackey, has been charged with her daughter’s murder following a lengthy investigation into the circumstances surrounding Annabel’s death.

The investigation began after Annabel went missing on September 10, 2023, and her body was found in Kingsley Pond, located around 350 yards from their residence.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, who arrived at the scene shortly after the discovery, Annabel was rushed to the hospital but tragically passed away on September 11 due to the injuries sustained during the incident.

This heartbreaking event left the family, including Annabel’s father, devastated. In a statement, her father spoke fondly of his daughter, describing her as a “beautiful, positive and very happy little girl” who loved singing, story time, and playing with her doll.

Her father emphasized that she brought endless joy and laughter to their lives, particularly enjoying her sweet treats and time with the family dog.

The situation became even more heartbreaking as it was revealed that Annabel had been missing for some time before her body was found.

Police officers from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary quickly launched an investigation into the disappearance, with detectives from a major crime team focusing on tracing Annabel’s movements prior to her being discovered in the water.

It was soon discovered that the toddler had last been seen in the early afternoon, just hours before being found at the pond. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that the situation was far more suspicious than initially believed.

 

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After weeks of thorough investigation, Alice Mackey, aged 42, was arrested in March 2025 and charged with the murder of her daughter.

The police’s inquiry had included extensive interviews with neighbors, friends, and family, as well as a detailed examination of any potential evidence from the scene.

Although authorities have not publicly disclosed specific details about what led to the charges, it is understood that there were several factors and pieces of evidence that pointed to the involvement of Annabel’s mother in the tragic incident.

As the legal proceedings move forward, Alice Mackey is set to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court to face the charges. The court hearings will be closely followed by the local community, as the charges come as a shock to those who knew the family.

Alice Mackey had previously been a well-known and relatively quiet figure within the local area, but in the wake of the tragic event, there has been a deep sense of confusion and disbelief from those who cannot comprehend the circumstances that led to the death of a young child.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over Oakhanger, a typically quiet and close-knit community that is now grappling with the loss of such a young life.

The case has sparked widespread conversations about child safety, parental responsibilities, and the depths of pain and loss experienced by families in such situations.

Despite the devastating turn of events, the community has rallied to offer support to the extended family, with various local groups and organizations organizing memorials and fundraisers to assist with funeral expenses and provide support for Annabel’s grieving family.

 

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In addition to the public mourning, the investigation has also prompted discussions about the difficulties that parents may face behind closed doors, particularly those involving mental health or personal struggles.

As more information comes to light, it is expected that the case may prompt further discussions on providing resources and assistance to families in crisis situations.

For now, the family remains in mourning as they try to come to terms with the tragic loss. Annabel’s death has left a permanent void in their hearts, and the community, while grieving, is hopeful that the legal process will bring some semblance of closure.

As the case progresses, there will no doubt be continued reflection on the heartbreaking and unimaginable circumstances that led to the loss of a young child.

The memory of Annabel Mackey, described by those who knew her as a joyful, sweet girl, will undoubtedly continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Her family’s tributes to her life reflect the deep pain felt by all who were touched by her, and as the investigation continues, they hold on to the precious moments and memories she left behind.