All three children who died following the horrific knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport have been named and pictured by police. Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, passed away on Monday, while Alice Aguiar, nine, died in the early hours of this morning.
In a tribute issued through Merseyside Police, Bebe King’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.” And the family of Alice Aguiar 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.”
A Merseyside Police statement said: “Their families, who are being supported by specialist officers, have issued photographs and have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.” Jose Cesario, the Portuguese Secretary of State for Communities, revealed that Alice was originally from the Madeira region and shared that her parents are currently in a state of shock.
READ MORE:Taylor Swift says she is in shock after Southport stabbing sees 2 children killed at Swiftie dance class
The holiday club, which was fully booked and advertised as a dance and yoga workshop along with bracelet-making, quickly turned into a scene likened to a “like a horror movie”, according to witnesses.
A 17-year-old boy, who at present cannot be named for legal reasons, is currently being held in custody, facing accusations of murder and attempted murder in relation to the terrifying events. In addition to the three lives tragically lost, eight other children sustained stab wounds in the attack, with five of them now in a critical condition. Two adults were also critically injured, according to police reports.
Hart Street saw an outpouring of communal grief as flowers and teddy bears were placed near the cordon. Notably poignant was a contribution from Natterjacks Day Nursery staff – flowers accompanied by a heart-shaped piece featuring children’s handprints. The attached message read fervently: “The brightest stars are now dancing with the angels in heaven. Shine bright little ones, we will never forget your smiles and laughter.”
Throughout the morning, both adults and children poured in to pay their respects, laying tributes at the scene. One heartfelt note in a card reading “Thinking Of You” extended “thoughts and prayers” to those impacted, signed off with “Love Southport.” A separate tribute read: “Fly high with angels little ones.”
The police have disclosed that the suspected individual, originally from Cardiff, hails from Banks, a small village on the outskirts of Southport. An area of the village was sectioned off by detectives on Monday afternoon. All the victims, including children, are currently receiving treatment in hospitals across Liverpool and Manchester.
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