Southport victim’s older sister saw attack and escaped, says family
The older sister of a six-year-old girl who was killed in the Southport stabbings saw the attack and escaped, her parents have revealed.
Bebe King died alongside nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, after the stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the Merseyside town on July 29.
In a statement, Bebe’s parents, Lauren and Ben King, said she was “full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore”.
For the first time, they revealed their older daughter, Genie, had witnessed the attack and paid tribute to her “incredible strength and courage”.
Bebe King, six, was killed in the attack
In a statement released through Merseyside Police, they said: “Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore.
“The outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond has been a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.
“From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family.
“The response from Southport, the whole of Liverpool, and even further afield has deeply touched our hearts, and we are so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us.”
They added: “We want to acknowledge our older daughter, Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape. She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her.
“Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.”
Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were also killed – Merseyside Police
The King family thanked the emergency services and those who had paid tribute to their daughter as they have started to deal with their “unimaginable loss” of their “shimmering star”.
“Our thoughts are also with everyone else involved in this tragedy and all those who were injured,” they said.
“We hope that they find strength and healing in the days ahead.
“To the children who witnessed this terrible event, we send our love and hope that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them.
“To the emergency services, who acted with such care and professionalism on that terrible day: thank you.”
They added: “Your support has continued as you have looked after our family with compassion and dedication, and we will forever be grateful for the way you have helped us through this harrowing time.
“To our community, friends, and strangers who have shown us such love: thank you.
“Your messages, your tributes, and your presence have meant the world to us and have helped us find some solace in our grief.
“We are also thinking of Elsie and Alice’s families, who are sharing in this unimaginable loss, and we hold them close in our hearts.
“Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her.
“She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do.”
17-year-old suspect arrested
Following the stabbings, a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of three counts of murder.
The suspect, who could not initially be identified due to his age, was named as Axel Rudakubana after a judge lifted reporting restrictions at Liverpool Crown Court.
He has also been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after eight other children and two adults were seriously injured.
Cardiff-born Rudakubana has been remanded in youth detention until his next court appearance.
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