Girls killed in Southport stabbing are named
Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar all died of their injuries
Last updated 30th Jul 2024
Three girls who died after being stabbed in Southport have been named.
Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, died after being attacked in a community centre in the town yesterday (Monday 29th July).
Their families, who are being supported by specialist officers, have issued photographs and have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.
Bebe King’s family have shared the following tribute: "No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe."
The family of Alice Dasilva Aguiar paid this tribute: "Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you're always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy."
Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were critically injured, police said.
A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance studio in Hart Street.
Police said a name shared on social media in connection with the suspect is "incorrect", adding: "We would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing."
The fully booked club for children, which was advertised as a dance and yoga workshop as well as bracelet-making, quickly became something "like a horror movie", witnesses to the deadly stabbings have said.
US singer Taylor Swift said she is "completely in shock"
In a statement released on social media on Tuesday, Swift said: "The horror of yesterday's attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I'm just completely in shock.
"The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and the first responders.
"These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families."