A SIX-year-old girl was allegedly beaten to death with a metal bar after hundreds of child welfare emails went unread in a retired social worker’s inbox.

Alicia was allegedly killed by her mum’s boyfriend in the vicious attack in Dessau-Roßlau, Germany, despite repeated warnings about her wellbeing.

Alicia W., 6, was killed in Osternienburg, Germany

Max M., 27, has been arrested on suspicion of murder

She was airlifted to hospital after the assault on June 7, where she sadly succumbed to her injuries two days later.

An autopsy revealed that Alicia died as a result of a severe traumatic brain injury reportedly caused after she was struck multiple times with a metal barbell.

Her heartbroken biological parents have demanded answers as to whether earlier intervention by authorities could have saved her life.

Alicia’s mum was one of the people who reported concerns to social services.

Max M., 27, the mum’s partner, is currently in custody on suspicion of murdering Alicia.

He denies responsibility for Alicia’s death and reportedly claimed the child had fallen onto a toy car.

But forensic examinations indicated that the fatal injuries may have been caused by an iron dumbbell bar.

Concerns have now been raised over whether repeated warnings about Alicia’s situation ever reached the responsible youth welfare office in Dessau-Roßlau.

Investigators are examining claims that a large number of alerts, including messages from the child’s mum and kindergarten staff, went unread.

The emails were allegedly routed to a retired employee’s inactive account.

Around 470 unread messages are now believed to have been found in the mailbox after the child’s death, including several that raised concerns about possible harm.

The alleged failures are now part of an ongoing inquiry into whether official negligence contributed to the tragedy, with child welfare workers under scrutiny.

Alicia’s funeral took place in the town of Aken in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, on June 3, where mourners tearfully said goodbye to the child.

A white coffin adorned with gold stars and moons with red roses placed on top was carried into the chapel.

Four undertakers bowed their heads before escorting it to her final resting place.

Alicia, described as having “fawn-coloured eyes and playful plaits”, had been looking forward to starting school in August before her tragic death.

Daniel Kemp, managing director of the German Child Protection Association in Saxony-Anhalt, slammed the devastating blunder.

He said: “We need to create structures to minimise risks. Structures that ensure no information or reports are lost.”

At the same time, Kemp also believes Alicia’s family and friends bear some responsibility.

He said that it’s not enough for a daycare worker to send a message about a possible risk to a child’s welfare and then assume the information has been received.

The case has triggered wider debate in the region over how child protection alerts are handled and relevant agencies need urgent reform.

Local officials have since come under pressure, with councillors acknowledging that many questions remain unanswered as investigations continue.

Source: https://www.the-sun.com/news/16645489/girl-beaten-death-welfare-emails-germany/