Family members said Trinity was a fun-loving water baby who loved butterflies. (Qld Police)Relatives of a murdered eight-year-old girl in Bundaberg in southern Queensland have issued a public plea for information about the crime.
Police say they believe Trinity Leigh Bates, known as Trinny, was abducted from her home and her body found in a nearby drain.
As floral tributes piled up outside the girl's home this morning, Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said the force was pouring "every possible resource" into the hunt for the killer.
The site remains cordoned off and extra police have arrived to help with the investigation.
Grandmother Kerri Hanlon and cousin Suzie Cavallaro spoke of their loss, describing Trinity as a fun-loving water baby who loved butterflies.
"She was one of the most photogenic creatures you'd ever find - if there was a camera, she'd be there," Ms Cavallaro said.
Mrs Hanlon says someone must know something.
"If anybody's out there that saw anything or thought they saw anything or think they know something, they need to tell somebody," Mrs Hanlon said.
Residents say they are living in fear after the murder.
One woman said she cannot believe it happened in her neighbourhood.
"I have a young girl of my own and now she's frightened - she's too frightened to walk to school by herself," she said.
Others are in shock.
"I lost a grandson to cancer but this is worse than that - this is horror," another resident said.
Local resident Caroline says she is shocked.
"I think for something to happen in a town like this is just unreal," she said.
Neighbour Jim says the community is now questioning itself.
"It does worry you that there's somebody like that around," he said.
Police are expected to give further details at a press conference later today.
The cause of death has yet to be determined.
Critique,
Well, we should always be careful. Unexpected things can happen everywhere at any time.

