Tributes paid to victims of Southport knife attack
The families and schools of the three girls killed in Southport have released tributes
Last updated 30th Jul 2024
Tributes are being paid to the three young girls killed in a knife attack in Southport.
Earlier today (Tuesday 30 July), police confirmed that six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar were all fatally stabbed.
Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were critically injured.
Yesterday, the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Serena Kennedy held a press conference. In it, she said: "It is understood the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender armed with a knife walked into the premises and started to attack the children inside.
"We believe the adults who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked."
A 17-year-old boy was arrested by armed officers, and remains in police custody at the time of writing.
Earlier today, hundreds of people visited the the scene on Hart Street, leaving floral tributes and teddies. Among them was Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
Family tributes
Paying tribute today, Bebe King’s family released the following statement: '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.'
Schools pay tribute
Natasha Sandland, headteacher of Marshside Primary School, has paid tribute to Bebe King. She said: "Words cannot do justice to describe the grief and upset our Marshside community are feeling today.
"We are deeply saddened by the awful news that we have lost one of our brightest and most wonderful shining stars in Bebe.
"Right now our focus is on supporting Bebe's family and her friends, our staff and our community who have been left numb by this tragic incident.
"We send our love to all those who have been affected by what happened and we would like to reiterate calls to protect the privacy of all families involved at this difficult time.
"As a school community, we will be grieving together as we stand with others in Southport. Rest in peace Bebe."
Meanwhile, Jennifer Sephton, headteacher at Farnborough Road Infant School, said they were "heartbroken and devastated" by the death of pupil Elsie Dot Stancombe.
She said: "Elsie has been a loving and bright member of our wonderful community since first being brought here on her father's shoulders, and even at her early age she was such a caring and charismatic young lady who loved to please.
"Elsie was a kind and caring friend to all who met her and was adored by everyone in our community.
"Our hearts and most deeply-felt sympathies go out to Elsie's family, friends and our Farnborough community who have been left numb by what has happened.
"It is immensely difficult to put into words how amazing Elsie was and the impact she had on those around her.
"We will miss you dearly Elsie. You were one of a kind."