Southport families: 'Remember our daughters for the lives that they lived, not for how they died'

The families of the three young girls, killed in a knife attack in Southport have released statements after their killer was sentenced today.

During the summer holidays on Monday 29th July last year, the girls all went to a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, and never returned home.

Earlier today 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Banks, Lancashire was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years.

On Monday, as his trial was due to begin, Rudakubana pleaded guilty to three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, possessing a knife on the date of the killings, production of a biological toxin, ricin, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism.

Sara Stanger, Director & Head of Serious Injuries and Public Inquiries at Bond Turner, represents the bereaved families. She said:

'The families of the bereaved children are relieved that the Defendant entered guilty pleas on the first morning of the criminal trial, sparing them the anguish of enduring the graphic evidence of Rudakubana’s horrific attack. They welcome the government’s swift decision to establish a Public Inquiry into the circumstances leading to that tragic day in July 2024.

'It is incomprehensible how such a brutal and senseless act of violence could occur in a room filled with innocent children. The families hope that by thoroughly identifying and addressing the systemic failures that preceded the attack and understanding where critical opportunities to prevent it were missed, meaningful lessons can be learned to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.

'The families would all like to remind the members of the press that as well as being the victims of Axel Rudukubana the girls were real people with loving families who have been gravely affected by their deaths. Those families, and all the affected families, will have to live with the trauma of what happened to them on 29 July 2024 for the rest of their lives. They understand the intense public interest that surrounds this case but would ask the press to exercise care in reporting details about the attack and, in particular, to refrain from reporting the details of the injuries that their children sustained.

'The families want to remember their daughters for the lives that they lived, not for how they died. That will become impossible if the graphic details of their deaths become part of the media narrative. The families therefore make a heartfelt plea to the press not to worsen the harm that has already been caused to them and instead to tell the victims’ stories with empathy and compassion. The full truth about these events will emerge as time passes. The families believe that there is brutality enough in that without focusing on the medical details of how three young girls died, or how ten others were injured.'

Family statements

Elsie’s mum, Jenni Stancombe, has released the following statement: 'We feel strongly that the graphic details surrounding Elsie’s injuries serve no purpose other than to sensationalise a tragedy. If such information were reported, it would become a permanent part of public record, potentially exposing Elsie’s younger sibling to it as she grows older. Such exposure would only deepen the trauma she has already endured, and as her parents, there is only so much we can do to shield her from this harm if it is perpetuated indefinitely by being online.

'Should graphic details be publicised further, they are likely to be exploited on unregulated platforms such as X and TikTok, fuelling hatred and sensationalism while undermining Elsie’s dignity. This is something no family should have to endure, and we are determined to do everything in our power to protect Elsie’s sister and her memory.'

Bebe’s mum, said: 'The profound impact of reporting our daughter’s injuries be considered before these deeply distressing details are shared. We will always live our lives in the shadows of this heinous crime. We ask for calm and compassionate reporting to assist us in moving forward. Our children’s names have already been used to amplify the brutality of what occurred, generating shock and hatred. This has only compounded our grief and made our loss harder to bear. Bebe was full of joy, light and love, and it is this that should be her legacy.'

Alice’s mum, Alexandra Da silva Aguiar, said: 'I cannot stress how hurtful it is to see and hear about the circumstances of that day, we relive it whenever it is reported. We beg for the media to refrain from reporting any of the graphic details of what happened which would only serve to deepen our grief and stain the remaining loving memories. We want Alice’s image to remain one of innocence, her happy childhood, her love for school and her passion for dance. That’s who she was, that’s how everyone remembers her and we should paint a picture of her life, not her struggles.'

Click here to listen to how the town's darkest day prompted an extraordinary show of togetherness from the local community

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