Inquests to begin into deaths of three girls killed in Southport attack
Inquests are to be opened today into the deaths of the three girls who were fatally stabbed
Inquests are to be opened into the deaths of three girls who were fatally stabbed in Southport.
Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died after a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space on Monday July 29.
Their inquests will be formally opened at Bootle Town Hall in Merseyside.
Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, is set to stand trial next year after being charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Family, friends and members of the local community have since paid their respects to the victims of the attack.
Hundreds of floral tributes have been left at the scene of the attack in Hart Street and a number of vigils have taken place in the town to remember the girls.
In a statement, Bebe's family said: "No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as we try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe."
Alice's family said: "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."
During a service at St Patrick's Church in Southport on Tuesday afternoon, one speaker fought back tears as she said: "Alice, you are the most beautiful, strongest girl in the world and I hope you know we love you from the bottom of our hearts. Keep smiling and dancing with the girls."
She read out another message from the family, which said: "We love you Alice, Your smile is extremely contagious and full of joy. You never fail to uplift everyone's mood."
The service, led by Father John Heneghan, featured hymns and speeches read in both English and Portuguese.
One of Alice's classmates said: "You will be in our hearts forever. You are the most kindest person in the world, and we know that you are the strongest girl we have ever met."
A member of staff from Alice's school read out messages from her classmates, including one which said: "Alice, so kind and caring, with a smile so bright, forever in our hearts."
The congregation gathered for a rendition of You Are My Sunshine outside the church following the ceremony.
Elsie's great-aunt described her as "lovely, sweet and gentle", BBC News reported.
Jean Stevenson said her grand-niece was "absolutely the sweetest child you could ever wish to meet".
Merseyside Police said all three families are being supported by specialist officers.
Five other children and two adults were seriously injured in the attack at around 11.45am on July 29.